YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR VOTE.
2026 Local Elections
In the last local election, only about 1 in 3 eligible voters in Saanich and Victoria cast a ballot. That small group chose who makes the big calls on housing, transit, and affordability for the next four years.
Local elections are where your vote goes furthest. This year, let’s show up.
General Voting Day: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Not registered yet? You can register when you vote.
Find out if you can vote, how and where to vote, and who’s running. Then join us at the UVSS Municipal Candidates’ Forum.
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL VOTING DAY
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IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, October 6: UVSS Municipal Candidates’ Forum
5:00–8:00 p.m. | Vertigo, Student Union Building
Wednesday, October 14: Vote early at UVic (Saanich and City of Victoria voters)
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Michèle Pujol Room, Student Union Building
Saturday, October 17: General Voting Day
8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. | Check your municipality for locations
CAN I VOTE?
To vote as a resident elector (how most students vote), you must:
- be 18 or older on General Voting Day;
- be a Canadian citizen;
- have lived in B.C. for at least six months before registering;
- live in the municipality where you’re voting; and
- not be disqualified from voting by law.
Not registered? You can register or update your information when you vote. Bring two pieces of ID (one with your signature). Your UVic student card counts as one. Check your municipality’s election page for the full list of accepted IDs.
HOW TO VOTE
Vote on General Voting Day
Saturday, October 17, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Check your municipality for voting locations.
Vote early at UVic
Eligible Saanich and City of Victoria voters can vote in advance right here on campus:
- Wednesday, October 14, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Michèle Pujol Room, Student Union Building.
Vote between classes. No need to leave campus.
Vote by mail
Deadlines and steps vary by municipality, so check your election page as early as possible.
FIND YOUR LOCAL ELECTION
Where and how you vote depends on where you live. Your municipality’s election page has your candidates, voting locations, ID and registration requirements, and mail voting information.
Voting in Saanich or Victoria? Your ballot will also include a non-binding question: “Do you support Saanich and Victoria becoming one municipality?”
UVSS MUNICIPAL CANDIDATE DEBATE
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Vertigo, Student Union Building
Hear directly from local candidates on issues affecting students and our communities. Candidates will join at scheduled times throughout the evening, with time for your questions.
Drop in anytime. Stay for one candidate or the whole evening.
Free pizza!
GET INVOLVED
Want to help with the UVSS Vote Now campaign? Volunteer with us to share non-partisan voting information, get the word out about voting, and help run election events on campus.