PO Box 370
Houston, BC
V0J 1Z0
Hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm
(closed on Holidays)
Elections
2026 General Municipal Election
Perform Your Civic Duty
General Local Elections are held in Houston every four years to elect a Mayor, Councillors, and other local officials, such as School District #54 Trustees. Learn about our local elections and find out how you can participate in our community and democracy by casting a vote during election season.
The 2026 General Local Election will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
About Municipal Elections
Through General Local Elections, resident and non-resident property electors determine the individuals who will collectively make decisions and govern on their behalf following General Voting Day. Electors do this by voting – casting their ballots in favour of candidate(s).
In British Columbia, General Local Elections for Mayors, Councillors, Electoral Area Directors, and School Trustees are held every four years on the third Saturday of October.
General Local Elections are a shared responsibility between local governments and Elections BC. Each local government is responsible for running its own General Local Election and must appoint a Chief Election Officer to administer the election process.
Elections must be conducted in accordance with the Local Government Act, the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, the Community Charter, the School Act, and applicable election-related bylaws.
Learn more about running for local office
2026 General Local Election
The 2026 General Local Election will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
2026 Key Dates
| April 16 | Residency cut-off date for electors (must have been a BC resident since this date) |
|---|---|
| August 4 – September 11 | Nomination packages available |
| September 1 at 9:00 AM | Nomination period begins |
| September 1 | First day to submit Mail Ballot Application |
| September 11 at 4:00 PM | Nomination period closes |
| September 15 at 4:00 PM | Deadline to challenge nominations and elector organization endorsements |
| September 16 | Property ownership cut-off date for non-resident property electors (if you are not a resident, you may be eligible to vote if you have owned property in Houston since this date) |
| September 18 at 4:00 PM |
Deadline for:
|
| September 19 – October 17 | Campaign period |
| October 7 | Advance Voting Day – Houston Community Hall |
| October 14 at 4:00 PM | Last day to request Mail Ballot |
| October 17 (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) | General Voting Day – Houston Community Hall |
| October 17 at 8:00 PM | Deadline to return mail ballots to the Chief Election Officer |
| October 24 | Campaign signage must be removed |
| November 3 | Inaugural Council Meeting (Oath of Office) |
Working the Election
Election Official Dates
- Advance Voting Day – Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- General Voting Day – Saturday, October 17, 2026
Election Official Requirements
- Be available from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on scheduled work days
- Remain on-site for the full duration of the assigned shift
- Remain on-site during scheduled breaks
- Maintain neutrality, professionalism, and confidentiality
- Work in a busy and sometimes noisy public environment
- Arrange personal transportation to and from the voting location
- Be organized, punctual, and reliable
How to Apply
Applications to be an Election Worker are available here: Application to Work as an Election Official
Training Requirements
All Election Officials must attend an in-person training session, which may take up to two hours depending on discussion and participation.
Compensation
Election Officials will receive a stipend of $260 per full day worked. Lunch and dinner will be provided.
The District will issue T4A slips to election officials who earn $500 or more in a calendar year, in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
Compensation will be issued within 30 business days following General Voting Day.
Election Results
The 2026 election results will be posted here when they become available.
Legislation & Bylaws
Provincial Legislation
- Local Elections Campaign Financing Act
- Local Elections Campaign Financing Expense Limit Regulation 281/2021
- Local Government Act
- Community Charter
- School Act
District Election-Related Bylaws
- Bylaw No. 1104 – Procedures for the Conduct of Local Government Elections and Other Voting (2018)
- Development Bylaw No. 1040, as amended
Contact the Election Office
| Chief Election Officer | Karen Hogstead, Director of Corporate Services |
|---|---|
| Deputy Chief Election Officer | Stefanie LeBlanc, Community Development Coordinator |
Phone: 250‑845‑2238
Email: corporate@houston.ca
District of Houston
PO Box 370
3367 12th Street
Houston, BC V0J 1Z0
Site By Trinex Internet Solutions - Admin | ID 267 Last Updated: Apr 8, 2026
