General local elections in British Columbia are held every four years on the third Saturday in October, in accordance with s. 52 of the Local Government Act.
The next General Local Election will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of our community by voting for:
- One (1) Mayor,
- Six (6) Councillors, and
- Seven (7) School Trustees.
2025 By-Election
Due to a vacancy, a by-election was held on April 12, 2025 and Councillor Becky Hogg was elected to fill the vacancy.
Voter eligibility
To vote in a North Cowichan election, you must be:
- 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day
- A Canadian citizen
- A resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months before registering
- A resident of North Cowichan on the day of registration
- Not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting.
If you own property in North Cowichan but live elsewhere in B.C., you may be eligible to vote as a non-resident property elector, provided you meet specific ownership and residency requirements.
Register to vote
North Cowichan uses the provincial voters list maintained by Elections BC. To register or update your information:
- Visit Elections BC
- Call 1-800-661-8683
- Or register in person at a voting location on election day with two pieces of ID (one must have your signature)
Youth aged 16 or 17 can also register for the List of Future Voters through Elections BC.
Running for office
Thinking about running in the next general election? Information about candidacy for the 2026 General Local Election will be available in early 2026.
In the meantime, visit Elections BC for general information on:
- Candidate eligibility
- Nomination packages
- Campaign financing rules
Visit Past Elections to learn about previous elections and by-elections in North Cowichan, including voter turnout, candidate results, and official declarations.