Elections

General voting day

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.

Advance voting days

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026.

Nomination packages available

Monday, July 13, 2026.

Pre-campaign period begins

Monday, July 20, 2026.

Nomination period

9 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, to 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.

Declaration of candidates

Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, after 4 p.m.

Last Day to withdraw candidacy

Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, by 4 p.m.

Pre-campaign period ends 

Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.

Campaign period

12:01 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.

Declaration of Election by Voting or Acclamation

Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, after 4 p.m.

Mail ballot voting deadline 

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, before 8 p.m.

Announcement of preliminary election results

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, after 8 p.m.

Elected officials' oath of office and inaugural meeting

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the City of West Kelowna Council Chambers. 

Part 3 of the Local Government Act establishes the regulations for elections, electors, candidates and any of their agents, and chief electoral officers.

General local elections are held every four years. The last was held on Oct. 15, 2022. The next will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.

During the four-year term, if a council member is unable to fulfill their duties and resigns their post, the Local Government Act allows for a by-election to be held prior to the next election date, if required.

Additional procedures and regulations are also outlined in the City of West Kelowna Local Government Election Bylaw 0248.

In the case of a general local election or a by-election, the City of West Kelowna must follow specified guidelines to advertise the process to eligible candidates and voters. In addition to these specified guidelines, the City of West Kelowna makes information available:

• On its website.
• Through e-notifications to subscribers.
• On its social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and X.
• By distribution of public service announcements and/or news releases to media sources.
• Via digital and/or print advertising and/or publications.
• Using additional methods that may be recommended, requested or required.

B.C.'s Community Charter allows local governments to use an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) as one means of seeking voter assent on a proposal, most commonly in matters involving long-term borrowing.

An AAP is an alternative to a referendum, which is costlier to taxpayers and involves a lengthier process.

The AAP allows voters 30 days to submit an elector response form in opposition to the local government's proposal. If 10 per cent or more of eligible voters submit forms indicating their opposition to the proposal, then elector assent is not obtained and the AAP fails.

The City of West Kelowna is required to follow specified guidelines to advertise the AAP process to eligible voters and, in addition to the specified guidelines, the city ensures the process is transparent and well communicated through:

• Its website
• Notifications to subscribers.
• Social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and X.
• Distribution of public service announcements and/or news releases to media.
• Digital and/or print advertising and/or publications.
• Other means that may be recommended, requested or required.

A referendum is a popular vote used to obtain electoral approval on a matter being proposed by a legislative body.

Typically voters are presented with a single question on a matter in which the legislative body has the authority to act.

A referendum can be binding or non-binding depending on the matter at hand. If a referendum is binding, a government must carry out the decision of the electorate; if a referendum is non-binding, the government can take the ruling of the electorate into consideration in making its decision.

In B.C., a binding referendum must be held on a significant issue such as incorporation, certain bylaws and disposal of public assets. A non-binding referendum can be held on important matters where a municipal council may be interested in knowing how a community stands on a particular issue and where the results may be helpful to elected officials looking to make a final decision on a pressing or polarizing issue.

Assent of the electors is obtained when a majority of valid votes are found to be in favour of the bylaw or question. If the bylaw or question fails to obtain the majority assent of the electors, then a local government must wait six months before it is permitted to hold another referendum on the same question or bylaw, provided that the Province of B.C. approves.

The City of West Kelowna is required to follow specified guidelines to advertise a referendum process to eligible voters. In addition to these specified guidelines, the City of West Kelowna ensures transparency and makes information available to our community:

• On its website.
• Through e-notifications to subscribers.
• On its social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and X.
• Through distribution of public service announcements and/or news releases to media.
• Digital and/or print advertising and/or publications.
• Other means that may be recommended, requested or required.