2026 Civic Election
Your Voting Guide for 2026 General Local Election
Make a plan to vote in New Westminster’s 2026 Civic Election
In the 2022 civic election, only one in four eligible voters in New Westminster cast a ballot. This October, we have an opportunity to do better — and to help more people take part in choosing the city’s next mayor, councillors and school trustees.
General Voting Day
Mark your calendar
Saturday
October 17, 2026
8am - 8pm
Advance Voting
Advance voting is a simple, convenient way to make sure your voice is heard before General Voting Day on October 17. Any eligible voter can vote in advance — no special reason is needed.
October 7, 2026 (Wednesday)
təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre
8am - 8pm
October 8, 2026 (Thursday)
təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre
8am - 8pm
October 9, 2026 (Friday)
Century House
8am - 8pm
October 10, 2026 (Saturday)
Queen Elizabeth Community School
Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary School
Herbert Spencer Elementary School
Skwo:wech Elementary School
Anvil Centre
8am - 8pm
October 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
Century House
8am - 8pm
Voting by mail
If you will be away during the election period, you can apply to vote by mail starting August 31, 2026. Mail ballots can also be dropped off at City Hall, where the mail drop box is available 24 hours a day through the end of voting.
Help Increase Voter Turnout
Local elections shape the services, priorities and decisions closest to home. Make your voting plan early — and encourage a friend, neighbour, colleague or family member to vote too, especially if they did not cast a ballot in 2022. For the latest dates, locations, hours, eligibility details, ID requirements and voting options, visit the City’s voter information page.
Voter information
Eligible voters in New Westminster can vote for one mayor, six councillors and seven school trustees. To vote in New Westminster’s 2026 General Local and School Election, you must meet all voter eligibility requirements.
Who can vote
You must meet all the qualifications to vote:
- Be 18 years of age or older on October 17, 2026
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Have lived in BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration
- Live in New Westminster (no minimum days required), or own property registered in your name in New Westminster for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration
- Not be disqualified by law from voting
Required IDs
To register at the time of voting, you will need two pieces of identification (ID). Together, they must show your:
- Name on both pieces
- Address on at least 1 piece
- Signature on at least 1 piece
Examples of eligible ID are: BC Care Card, BC Driver’s License, Canadian passport.
For a full list of eligible ID, click here.