VILLAGE OF ZEBALLOS
2025 LOCAL BY-ELECTION

The Village of Zeballos is holding a by-election to fill a vacant position on the Village Council. This is an important opportunity for community members to have their voices heard and to contribute to the future of Zeballos.

Welcome to the official information page for the Village of Zeballos by-election! Below, you’ll find details on how to participate as a candidate or voter, key dates, and everything you need to know about the election process.

The Village of Zeballos is governed by a Council of 5 elected officials: 1 Mayor and 4 Councillors. A Councillor has resigned from office, resulting in a By-Election to fill the office of one (1) Councillor for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term.

IMPORTANT DATES

Nomination Period:

9:00 am, December 3, 2024 until 4:00 pm, December 13, 2024

The nomination period is the time when eligible individuals can submit their paperwork to declare their candidacy for the vacant position. Prospective candidates must complete a nomination package by the deadline to be eligible to run in the election.

Nomination Packages must be returned to the Village Office before 4:00 pm on Friday, December 13th –  no exceptions. 

Declaration of Candidates:

4:00 pm, December 13, 2024

The declaration of candidates is the official announcement of individuals who have successfully submitted their nominations and are confirmed to run in the election. This list is published after the nomination period ends.

Advance Voting Opportunities:

All voting opportunities will take place at the Zeballos Village Office, 157 Maquinna Avenue, Zeballos, BC.

January 08, 2025 – 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
January 13, 2025 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
January 14, 2025 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
January 15, 2025 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
January 16, 2025 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
January 17, 2025 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

General Voting Day:

All voting opportunities will take place at the Zeballos Village Office, 157 Maquinna Avenue, Zeballos, BC.

January 18, 2025 – 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

INFORMATION FOR VOTERS

As a resident or property owner in Zeballos, your vote helps shape our community’s future. Here’s how to ensure you’re ready for election day. The Village of Zeballos registers voters at the time of voting – no pre-registration is required.

Who Can Vote in the Election?

Resident Electors 

To register as a resident elector, you must:

• • be 18 years of age or older on general voting day (January 18. 2025);
  • be a Canadian citizen;
  • be a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting);
  • be a resident of the municipality on the day of registration (at time of voting); and
  • not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law.

Resident electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) at the time of voting. Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity.

The Village of Zeballos uses same-day voter registration, meaning you can only register on the day you vote—unless voting by mail, where you must complete a Registration Form before receiving your ballot.

Non-Resident Property Electors

To register as a non-resident property elector, you must:

• • be 18 years of age or older on general voting day (January 18. 2025);
  • be a Canadian citizen;
  • be a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting);
  • be a registered owner of real property in the municipality for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting);
  • not be entitled to register as a resident elector; and
  • not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law.

In addition, for non-resident property electors:

• • The only persons who are registered owners of the property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust.
  • If more than one individual is a registered property owner, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the individual owners, register as a non-resident property elector.

Non-resident property electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) at the time of voting to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from the majority of the property owners.

The Village of Zeballos uses same-day voter registration, meaning you can only register on the day you vote—unless voting by mail, where you must complete a Registration Form before receiving your ballot.

Can I vote by mail?

Absolutely!

If you wish to vote by mail, you must request an application from the Zeballos Village Office by mail, phone, fax, or email no later than 4:00 pm on Monday, December 30, 2024.

To be counted, your mail ballot must reach the Chief Election Officer by 8 PM on General Voting Day, Saturday, January 18, 2025—no exceptions. Late ballots, including those delayed by mail, will not be accepted.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

If you’re passionate about the Zeballos community and want to make a positive impact, consider running for the vacant council position. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility

To run for council, you must:

• • Be 18 years or older on election day.
  • Be a Canadian citizen.
  • Have lived in British Columbia for at least six months prior to the election.
  • Not be disqualified by law from holding office.

How to Apply

1. Nomination Period: Pick up a nomination package at the Village Office during the nomination period (or request an electronic version). The package contains forms, key deadlines, and rules to help you complete your application. The nomination period for this by-election is from 9:00 am on December 3, 2024 to 4:00 pm on December 13, 2024.
2. Submission Requirements: Completed nomination forms must be submitted to the Village Office by the deadline of 4:00 pm on December 13, 2024. Late submissions will not be accepted – no exceptions.
3. Campaign Rules: All candidates must adhere to campaign finance rules, including spending limits and reporting requirements, as outlined in the nomination package.

For questions, please contact our Chief Election Officer, Alana Janisse at admin@zeballos.com or 250-761-4229 ext 103 or Deputy Chief Election Officer, Pete Nelson-Smith at cao@zeballos.com or 250-761-4229 ext 105.

ELECTION RESOURCES

For Voters

• • Voter’s Guide to Local Elections in BC
  • General Local Elections 101
  • Voter’s Guide to Supporting a Candidate

For Candidates

General Information for Candidates

• • Thinking About Running for Local Office?
  • What Every Candidate Needs to Know
  • Running for local office – Province of British Columbia
  • Candidates Guide to Local Elections in BC
  • General Local Elections 101

Campaign Financing for Candidates

• • Candidate Information – Elections BC
  • Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in B.C. for Candidates and their Financial Agents

Responsible Conduct for Elected Officials

• • Conduct of locally elected officials – Province of British Columbia
  • Responsible Conduct: Forging the Path to Responsible Conduct
  • Foundational Principals of Responsible Conduct for Elected Officials

Video Resources

https://youtu.be/mXrEa8Us0Os