Staff Report to Council: Review of Elections Bylaw No. 1819

Executive Summary

Municipalities in British Columbia are mandated to hold a General Local Election every four years, in accordance with the Local Government Act. Pursuant to this requirement, the next local election will be held on October 17, 2026.

As part of the 2026 election preparations, staff have prepared this report for the purpose of providing Council the opportunity to review Elections Bylaw No. 1819 and provide direction on any potential amendments to the bylaw that Council may wish to consider at a future meeting.

Background

The Elections Bylaw outlines procedures for the City to:

• Utilize the Provincial voters’ list, maintained by Elections BC;
• Establish a list of non-resident property electors in Langford;
• Permit the order of candidates’ names on the ballot to be determined by lot in accordance with the procedures established under the Act;
• Use an automated vote-counting machine;
• Provide advance voting opportunities;
• Provide special voting opportunities;
• Conclude voting activities on General Voting Day;
• Perform an informal recount and determine results in case of a tie vote; and
• Regulate political signs and advertising placed in the City (note that most other political advertising rules are stipulated under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, administered by Elections BC and are beyond the City’s jurisdiction).

Elections Bylaw amendments in 2022 included public access to nomination documents on the City website, pursuant to section 89 (9) of the Act in an effort to improve accessibility and align with best practices in other municipalities.

Commentary

Elections Bylaw No. 1819 has been brought forward this evening for Council review and to provide an opportunity for Council to direct staff to come back with any suggested amendments that Council may wish to consider at a future Council meeting for the 2026 General Local Election.

Though voting locations are not identified by bylaw, staff wish to highlight for Council’s information that an additional voting location has been secured for General Voting Day of October 17, totalling four (4) voting places as follows:

• Happy Valley Elementary School
• Millstream Elementary School
• PEXSISEN Elementary School
• Ruth King Elementary School

Additionally, Eagle Ridge Community Centre has been secured for the two advanced poll days on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, and Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Traditionally the advance polls have been held in Council Chambers; however, due to the high level of voter turnout at the advance polls during the last election, it was determined that a larger location would be more suitable.

Financial Implications

The addition of a fourth voting location for General Voting Day has financial implications for staffing, machine rentals, and supplies, all of which have been accounted for in the 2026 election budget.

Legal Implications

Section 56 of the Local Government Act provides authority for Council to adopt a bylaw in relation to General Local Elections. Elections Bylaws must be adopted at least 56 days prior to the first day of the nomination period. The nomination period for the 2026 General Local Election commences September 1, 2026, meaning the last day for adoption of any changes would be July 6, 2026.

Strategic Plan Alignment

5 – Good Governance.

Options

Option 1

THAT Council receive the report dated February 17, 2026, from the Director of Legislative and Protective Services titled “Review of Elections Bylaw No. 1819” for information.

OR Option 2

THAT Council direct staff to prepare an amendment bylaw to “Elections Bylaw No. 1819” addressing the following: a.;
b.;
c.___________.

Submitted By

Marie Watmough, Director of Legislative & Protective Services

Concurrence: Melisa Miles, Manager of Legislative Services
Concurrence: Donna Petrie, Senior Manager of Communications & Economic Development
Concurrence: Yari Nielsen, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities
Concurrence: Leah Stohmann, RPP, MCIP, Director of Community Planning and Development
Concurrence: Katelyn Balzer, P.Eng., Director of Engineering and Public Works
Concurrence: Michael Dillabaugh, CPA, CA, Director of Finance
Concurrence: Braden Hutchins, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
Concurrence: Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer

Attachments:

• Attachment 1: Consolidated Elections Bylaw No. 1819.

Contact:
t 250.478.7882
e administration@langford.ca
2nd Floor, 877 Goldstream Avenue
Langford, BC V9B 2X8