How to run for MLA in BC

Who can run

• You are 18 or older.
• You are a Canadian citizen.
• You have been a BC resident for the past six months.
• You are not disqualified by the Election Act or another law.

Getting nominated

You apply using the Provincial Candidate Nomination Application, which needs signatures from at least 75 nominators. Elections BC’s candidate guide sets out the full requirements, including who qualifies as a nominator and any other documents you need.

Running with a party or as an independent

You can seek a party’s nomination or run as an independent. Registered parties can be named on the ballot, issue tax receipts and incur election expenses. To register, a party needs a primary purpose of fielding candidates, along with evidence such as a published platform or constitution, and two principal officers must sign its application. Its name also cannot be confused with another party’s.

Money and reporting

Only BC residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents can make political contributions. The 2026 limit is $1,513.29. Financial agents and reporting rules apply, and anyone who gives more than $250 in a reporting period has their name and amount published by Elections BC.

Running with the AI Party of BC

We are looking for people who know their communities, ask good questions and are comfortable working in public. You do not need to be a programmer. Our candidates would run on our draft platform and publish the questions they put to AI. The party has not yet applied to register, so we can’t nominate anyone until that is done.

Last checked October 30, 2026. Drafted with AI and published by the AI Party of BC, a party with its own views. This is not legal advice, so confirm details with Elections BC or the Province.