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What you need to know to run for council or school board office in Port Coquitlam

Considering running for council or school board in Port Coquitlam? A special information session is planned to provide all the details.
Ballot box
A civic election is taking place in Port Coquitlam on Oct. 15 and candidates are invited to an information session.

Thinking of running for office in this year’s municipal or school board election? 

Port Coquitlam' election office is hosting an information session for those considering a run for office on Thursday,  June 23 from 6-7:30 p.m. for those interested in running for the offices of mayor, councillor or school board trustee.

The session will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall - 2580 Shaughnessy St
 
The information session will provide general information about what to expect before, during and after the election — including an overview of general local and school trustee elections, election legislation and regulations, key dates, the candidate nomination process and requirements, voting and taking office, responsibilities of elected officials and the expected time commitment and compensation.

Staff will be available to answer questions. Registration is not required to attend.
 
The time period for filing nomination papers is from 9 a.m. Tues. Aug. 30 to 4 p.m. Fri. Sept. 9.

General Voting Day is set for Sat. Oct.15 to elect one mayor, six councillors and two school board trustees.
 
Nomination packages will be available for pick up at the info session, or starting on June 24 at the Election Office, City Hall (2580 Shaughnessy Street). Packages will also be available to download at portcoquitlam.ca/election.
 
This session is recommended for potential candidates and key campaign staff.
 
Here are the qualifications for office:

To be nominated, elected and hold office as Mayor, Councillor or School Trustee, you must be:

  • a Canadian citizen,
  • 18 years of age or older on election day (Oct. 15, 2022),
  • a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before the day you file your nomination papers, and
  • not disqualified by the Local Government Act from voting in a B.C. election or from being nominated for, being elected to, or holding office.

One mayor, six councillors and two school trustees will be elected to run for a four-year term. Cities and school boards are the closest level of government to residents, making decisions that affect property taxes, development in our community, City services and schools.