Elections

The next general local election will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022. 

Eligible Voters in Coquitlam will elect one mayor, eight councillors and four school trustees (for School District Number 43). The City of Coquitlam holds elections in accordance with the Local Government Act, the Community Charter and the School Act.

Elections News

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New Benefits to Remove Barriers for Council Candidates

Coquitlam is one of the first communities in B.C. to adopt new leave procedures for Council members that aim to remove systemic and financial barriers for equity-deserving groups wishing to participate in public office. These new measures reflect Coquitlam’s focus on promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the City’s work and community.

The City will provide Council members up to 16 weeks of paid leave (or the remainder of the term, whichever occurs first) for the following:

  • Maternity and/or parental leave for any elected official, regardless of family status or gender, who is pregnant or has given birth (including miscarriage, termination or stillbirth) or following the birth or adoption of a child.
  • Leave for any elected official to provide compassionate care or caregiving support to someone considered to be family who is critically ill or needing end-of-life care.

The new leave provisions only apply to City of Coquitlam Council members in office following the October 2022 election and will not be provided retroactively.

As of 2023, the City will also offer a pension benefit to Council members to further reduce potential financial barriers for those running for office. This benefit will also take effect after the October 2022 election, and will be calculated based on years of service at a rate guided by the Municipal Pension Plan. The start date for all Council members, including those re-elected, will be the beginning of the next term.

Important Dates

Start of Nomination Period - August 30, 2022, 9:00 a.m.
End of Nomination Period - September 9, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
Campaign signs may be erected - September 24, 2022, 9:00 a.m.
Declaration of Election - September 19, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
Local General Election - October 15, 2022, 8:00 a.m.
Inaugural Council Meeting - November 7, 2022
  1. Voters
  2. Frequently Asked Questions
  3. Candidates
  4. Election Workers
  5. Previous Election Information

The City of Coquitlam uses the Provincial Voters List.

Visit the Elections BC  website to

  • Register to vote if you are 18 years or older
  • Update your voter information such as your residential or mailing address
  • Pre-register by adding your name to the Future Voters List if you are 16 or 17 years old

Residents

To qualify as a resident elector, a person must meet all of the following requirements at the time of voting:

  • Age 18 or older on or before General Voting Day (October 15, 2022)
  • A Canadian citizen
  • A resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (as of April 14, 2022) 
  • A resident of the City of Coquitlam in accordance with applicable legislation
  • Not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any enactment from voting in an election, or otherwise disqualified by law

Non-Residents

To qualify as a non-resident property elector, a person must meet all of the following requirements at the time of voting:

  • Must be registered as a non-resident property elector in the City of Coquitlam
  • Age 18 or older on or before General Voting Day (October 15, 2022)
  • A Canadian citizen
  • A resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (as of April 14, 2022)
  • A registered owner of real property in the City of Coquitlam for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration (as of September 14, 2022)
  • An individual not holding the real property in trust for a corporation or any other trust
  • Not entitled to register as a resident elector in the City of Coquitlam
  • Not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any enactment from voting in an election, or otherwise disqualified by law

The following special conditions determining eligibility apply to persons wishing to register as a non-resident property elector:

  • Only one person may vote per property. If several non-residents own a single piece of property, the owners must designate one of the owners to vote.
  • Written consent from the majority of those property owners not voting must be submitted to the Chief Election Officer.
  • A current title search is required as proof satisfactory that the applicant is entitled to register
  • It is recommended that a non-resident property elector obtain a non-resident property elector certificate prior to attending the voting place.

ID Requirements

Bring at least two documents that, in combination, provide proof of identity and place of residence. At least one of the documents must contain your signature. Acceptable identification includes:

  • BC Care Card
  • BC Driver's Licence
  • BC Identification Card issued by ICBC
  • BC Services Card
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Credit Card or Debit Card
  • Property Tax Notice issued by the City of Coquitlam
  • Social Insurance Card
  • Secure Certificate of Indian Status (Status Card)
  • Utility Bill (Phone, Hydro, Gas etc.)
  • Valid Passport
  • Vehicle insurance documents issued by ICBC
  • Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security Request for Continued Assistance Form SDES8