Municipal Election

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The City of Port Alberni municipal council is comprised of a mayor and six councillors elected for a four-year term. The next General Local Election for the City of Port Alberni will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.


This page is the City’s official source for local election information, including:

  • key dates
  • voter eligibility and registration
  • nomination information for candidates
  • advance voting and general voting information
  • mail ballot information
  • official notices
  • election results


Are you registered to vote?

The City of Port Alberni uses the Provincial List of Voters as the register of resident electors. If you are not already registered or have questions, visit Elections BC – Online Voter Registration. You can check to see if you're already registered, register yourself through the website, and update your voter information.

You may also register at the time of voting if you are eligible, and will be required to complete the necessary forms and provide identification.


Nominations

The first major step in the general local election process is candidate nominations.

Nomination documents may be filed from 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026. Nomination are available from the right hand bar of this page and from Election Headquarters at Port Alberni City Hall, 4850 Argyle Street:

Candidate Nomination Package
Municipal Candidate Information Release Form
Candidate Info Release Authorization Form
Candidate Receipt of List of Electors

To be qualified to be nominated, elected, and hold office, a person must meet the requirements of the Local Government Act.

  • Be 18 years of age or older on general voting day
  • Be a Canadian citizen
  • Have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before filing nomination documents
  • Not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election in British Columbia or from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office, or be otherwise disqualified by law

For more information on qualifications, see Running for local office - Province of British Columbia.

In accordance with City of Port Alberni Election and Assent Voting Bylaw No. 5150, 2026, the minimum number of qualified nominators is ten (10).



Thinking of Running?

Have you ever thought about making a lasting impact in Port Alberni? Running for Council is an exciting and meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of your community. As a City Councillor, you’ll have a unique chance to:

  • Drive Change by shaping the policies and decisions that affect everything from local infrastructure to environmental sustainability and community safety.
  • Be a Voice for Your Community by representing the diverse voices of Port Alberni and collectively working towards solutions that benefit everyone.
  • Make a Real Difference by helping build a Port Alberni that is stronger, more connected, and ready for the future.
  • Learn and Grow by gaining valuable experience in leadership, governance, and public service while working with dedicated local leaders.

What Does a Councillor Do?

City Councillors are elected to represent the residents of Port Alberni. As a Councillor, your role is to:

  • Advocate for Your Community: Listen to the concerns of residents, local businesses, and organizations and bring their issues to the table.
  • Make Key Decisions as a Council: Vote on important city policies, budgets, and community projects that directly impact our daily lives.
  • Set the Direction for the Future: Collaborate with the Mayor, City staff, and other community leaders to develop long-term strategies for economic growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life.
  • Work with Your Fellow Councillors: Collaborate with a dedicated team of elected officials, City staff, and interest groups to ensure Port Alberni remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Impact You Can Have

Being a part of City Council isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about inspiring change and building a brighter future for everyone in Port Alberni. Council members help guide critical community projects, from revitalizing the waterfront and enhancing public spaces to tackling local economic challenges and promoting sustainability.

As a Councillor, you will be part of a larger vision—helping Port Alberni grow into a community that offers great opportunities for all. Whether it’s addressing housing, economic development, or community safety, your leadership can help guide the City into a new era of prosperity, diversity and growth.

Get Informed

The first step in running for Council is understanding the process. The City will be creating a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the election process and ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Check back in early 2026 for:

  • Nomination papers
  • Campaigning rules and regulations
  • Resources to help you run a successful campaign

Want To Learn More?

Running for office can seem overwhelming, but you’re not alone! We’ve gathered a few resources to help you understand the process and how to run a successful campaign. Check out the Important Links and Documents section to the right for more, and be sure to register for this platform to receive updates and information as more becomes available in 2026.


Contact:

Chief Election Officer
City of Port Alberni
4850 Argyle Street
Port Alberni, BC
250-723-2146
election@portalberni.ca


For election administration questions, please contact the City.

For campaign financing and election advertising questions, please contact Elections BC.

The City of Port Alberni municipal council is comprised of a mayor and six councillors elected for a four-year term. The next General Local Election for the City of Port Alberni will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.


This page is the City’s official source for local election information, including:

  • key dates
  • voter eligibility and registration
  • nomination information for candidates
  • advance voting and general voting information
  • mail ballot information
  • official notices
  • election results


Are you registered to vote?

The City of Port Alberni uses the Provincial List of Voters as the register of resident electors. If you are not already registered or have questions, visit Elections BC – Online Voter Registration. You can check to see if you're already registered, register yourself through the website, and update your voter information.

You may also register at the time of voting if you are eligible, and will be required to complete the necessary forms and provide identification.


Nominations

The first major step in the general local election process is candidate nominations.

Nomination documents may be filed from 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026. Nomination are available from the right hand bar of this page and from Election Headquarters at Port Alberni City Hall, 4850 Argyle Street:

Candidate Nomination Package
Municipal Candidate Information Release Form
Candidate Info Release Authorization Form
Candidate Receipt of List of Electors

To be qualified to be nominated, elected, and hold office, a person must meet the requirements of the Local Government Act.

  • Be 18 years of age or older on general voting day
  • Be a Canadian citizen
  • Have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before filing nomination documents
  • Not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election in British Columbia or from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office, or be otherwise disqualified by law

For more information on qualifications, see Running for local office - Province of British Columbia.

In accordance with City of Port Alberni Election and Assent Voting Bylaw No. 5150, 2026, the minimum number of qualified nominators is ten (10).



Thinking of Running?

Have you ever thought about making a lasting impact in Port Alberni? Running for Council is an exciting and meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of your community. As a City Councillor, you’ll have a unique chance to:

  • Drive Change by shaping the policies and decisions that affect everything from local infrastructure to environmental sustainability and community safety.
  • Be a Voice for Your Community by representing the diverse voices of Port Alberni and collectively working towards solutions that benefit everyone.
  • Make a Real Difference by helping build a Port Alberni that is stronger, more connected, and ready for the future.
  • Learn and Grow by gaining valuable experience in leadership, governance, and public service while working with dedicated local leaders.

What Does a Councillor Do?

City Councillors are elected to represent the residents of Port Alberni. As a Councillor, your role is to:

  • Advocate for Your Community: Listen to the concerns of residents, local businesses, and organizations and bring their issues to the table.
  • Make Key Decisions as a Council: Vote on important city policies, budgets, and community projects that directly impact our daily lives.
  • Set the Direction for the Future: Collaborate with the Mayor, City staff, and other community leaders to develop long-term strategies for economic growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life.
  • Work with Your Fellow Councillors: Collaborate with a dedicated team of elected officials, City staff, and interest groups to ensure Port Alberni remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Impact You Can Have

Being a part of City Council isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about inspiring change and building a brighter future for everyone in Port Alberni. Council members help guide critical community projects, from revitalizing the waterfront and enhancing public spaces to tackling local economic challenges and promoting sustainability.

As a Councillor, you will be part of a larger vision—helping Port Alberni grow into a community that offers great opportunities for all. Whether it’s addressing housing, economic development, or community safety, your leadership can help guide the City into a new era of prosperity, diversity and growth.

Get Informed

The first step in running for Council is understanding the process. The City will be creating a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the election process and ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Check back in early 2026 for:

  • Nomination papers
  • Campaigning rules and regulations
  • Resources to help you run a successful campaign

Want To Learn More?

Running for office can seem overwhelming, but you’re not alone! We’ve gathered a few resources to help you understand the process and how to run a successful campaign. Check out the Important Links and Documents section to the right for more, and be sure to register for this platform to receive updates and information as more becomes available in 2026.


Contact:

Chief Election Officer
City of Port Alberni
4850 Argyle Street
Port Alberni, BC
250-723-2146
election@portalberni.ca


For election administration questions, please contact the City.

For campaign financing and election advertising questions, please contact Elections BC.

Page last updated: 31 Jul 2026, 11:37 AM