The right to run for office in a provincial election is guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In British Columbia, anyone who meets the requirements of the Election Act can run as a provincial candidate. Candidates must be:
If a candidate wants to be associated with a registered political party on the ballot, the individual must seek the nomination from the political party prior to submitting their nomination documents with Elections BC. If the individual is not endorsed by the political party, the candidate’s name will not appear on the ballot with the party affiliation. See the Nomination Contests page for more information.
All candidates must file nomination papers with Elections BC to appear on a ballot. See our candidate nomination booklet for details.
You can file a standing nomination or an ordinary nomination.
Standing nominations for a scheduled general election can be filed with the Chief Electoral Officer at any time until the end of the day before the election is called. Standing nominations for a by-election or unscheduled general election can be filed at any time until the end of the second day after the election is called.
We encourage candidates to file their nomination documents as early as possible. This allows for time to refile if any of the registration requirements are missed, and provides Elections BC with contact information to communicate with the candidate and appointed agents prior to the election.
Ordinary nominations for a scheduled general election can only be filed with the District Electoral Officer for the electoral district where you want to be a candidate, and must be filed between the time the election is called and 1 p.m. Pacific time on Day 7 of the election. Ordinary nominations for a by-election can be filed between 9 a.m. Pacific time on Day 3 and 1 p.m. Pacific time on Day 7. Ordinary nominations for an unscheduled general election can be filed between 9 a.m. Pacific time on the third day after the election is called and 1 p.m. Pacific time on the eleventh day after the election is called.
Candidates must also appoint an individual to act as their financial agent, or act as their own financial agent, and must file an election financing report with Elections BC after an election.
All financial transactions in relation to the election campaign must go through a separate campaign account. This letter explains the financial requirements for candidates and can be provided to a savings institution if needed.
Toll-Free: 1-800-661-8683
TTY: 1-888-456-5448
electionsbc@elections.bc.ca
Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-466-0665s
