2026 General Local Elections
The 2026 General Local Elections will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Every four years the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) conducts general local elections to elect a Director to represent each of our six Electoral Areas, "A" (Bamfield), "B" (Beaufort), "C" (Long Beach), "D" (Sproat Lake), "E" (Beaver Creek), "F" (Cherry Creek).
The ACRD also conducts elections on behalf of School District 70 Pacific Rim, for six Trustees representing: the City of Port Alberni, Electoral Areas "A" (Bamfield), "B" (Beaufort), "D" (Sproat Lake), "E" (Beaver Creek) and "F" (Cherry Creek), and one Trustee representing the West Coast, which includes the District of Tofino, District of Ucluelet, and Electoral Area "C" (Long Beach).
On this page you will find information about candidate eligibility, nominations, local elections legislation and additional video resources. If you are looking for general information regarding rules around campaigning, election financing, etc. please visit the BC Elections website.
Key Election Dates
| Date | Action or Deadline |
|---|---|
| August 18 | 6 pm - Candidate Information Session - To be held at City of Port Alberni City Hall Council Chambers |
| September 1 | 9 am - Nomination Period Begins |
| September 11 | 4 pm - Nomination period ends |
| September 11 | Declaration of Candidates |
| September 15 | 4 pm - Nomination Challenge Deadline |
| September 18 | Deadline for withdrawal of candidates and withdrawal of elector organization endorsement |
| September 21 | 4 pm - Declaration of Election by Voting or Acclamation |
| September 21 | Mail ballot requests begins |
| October 7 | 8 am - 8 pm - Advance Voting Day |
| October 14 | 8 am - 8 pm - Advance Voting Day |
| October 17 | 8 am - 8 pm - Election Day |
| October 17 | After 8 pm - Preliminary Election Results |
| October 21 | Declaration of Official Election Results |
| October 26 | Judicial Recount Application Deadline |
| December 4 | Oath or Affirmation of Office Deadline |
| January 15 | Disclosure Statements Filing Deadline |
| February 16 | Disclosure Statements Late Filing Deadline |
Local Elections Legislation Resources
Resources
- 2026 General Local Elections - Elections BC
- What Every Candidate Needs to Know
- Local Quick Reference Sheets - Elections BC
- Local Guides - Elections BC
- Information Sessions - Elections BC
- Online Learning - Elections BC
- Elector Organization Guide to Local Elections
- Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in BC for Candidates and their Financial Agents
- Video: Advice for Running for People Running for Local Office
- Video: Voting and Taking Office
- Video: Characteristics of Effective Locally Elected Officials
- Video: What is Local Government?
- Video: Local Government Decision Making
- Video: Roles and Responsibilities of Elected Officials
- Video: Testing your Readiness for Local Office
250-720-2706
Heather Zenner, Deputy Chief Election Officer
250-720-2731
elections@acrd.bc.ca