Vancouver’s By-Election
WHAT? I HAVE TO VOTE AGAIN?
Municipal elections typically see lower turnouts than either federal or provincial elections, and by-elections are generally even lower. People don’t realize just how important it is, and how directly local government impacts their day-to-day lives.
WHO AM I VOTING FOR?
The 2017 Municipal By-election will elect 1 Councillor and 9 School Trustees. The term of office for these officials will end on the first Monday after November 1 following the 2018 general local election.
1. School Trustees District 39 provides education services within Vancouver and the University Endowment Lands. The School Trustees are independent of Vancouver City Council. The school district is one of the most diverse in Canada, with an annual enrollment of about 50,000 students in kindergarten to grade 12. The school district is home to 90 elementary schools, one middle school, 18 secondary schools, and two adult learning centres.
2. City Council is elected at large. Each Councillor represents the entire city. Vancouver City Council is governed by the Vancouver Charter and has the power to:
- Pass by-laws regulating such things as businesses, building, noise, and land use
- Buy and sell property
- Collect property and other taxes
- Approve major spending for all parts of the City government
- Take on debt
- Allocate funds for special activities, such as arts and community services
- Set up departments and offices for City services
Through City Council, city residents and businesses are provided with fire and police services, libraries, parks, community centres, garbage collection, streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, water, and sewer services.
HOW CAN I VOTE?
There are two Advance Voting Days where you can cast your vote early. You can vote between 8 am and 8 pm on October 4 and 10 at Vancouver City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue.
On Saturday, October 14, you can cast your ballot at approximately 50 Voting Places throughout the city from 8 am to 8 pm.