Own property in Vancouver but live elsewhere in BC? You may have a vote on October 17
BC law gives some property owners a vote in the city where they own land, even if they live in another municipality. Who qualifies in Vancouver, the co-owner consent rule, why company-held property is excluded, and what to bring.
Most people vote in the city where they live. British Columbia adds a second route: if you own property in a city but live elsewhere in the province, you may have a vote there too. Vancouver calls these voters non-resident property electors. Here is who qualifies for the October 17, 2026 election and how to register.
The five tests
Section 24 of the Vancouver Charter and the City's own page set the same requirements. On the day you register you must:
- Live elsewhere in BC. You cannot be entitled to register as a Vancouver resident. If you live in Vancouver, you vote as a resident instead.
- Be 18 or older on October 17, 2026.
- Be a Canadian citizen.
- Have lived in BC for at least 6 months immediately before registering.
- Have been a registered owner of the Vancouver property for at least 30 days immediately before registering.
"Registered owner" has a set meaning in the Charter. It covers the owner on title, and also the holder of a registered lease of 99 years or more. You also must not be disqualified from voting by law.
A resident of Surrey who bought a Vancouver condo in 2024 would pass the tests. A resident of Alberta who owns a Vancouver house would not, because the 6-month rule requires BC residence.
Three rules that catch owners out
Only one owner per property. Section 24(5) allows only one of the registered owners to register for a given property. A couple who own a house together get one property vote between them. The owner who registers needs written consent from enough co-owners that, counting the person registering, they make up a majority. A co-owner can later withdraw that consent in writing.
Company or trust property does not count. Section 24(1)(f) requires every registered owner of the property to be an individual who is not holding it in trust for a corporation or another trust. The City puts it this way: the property must be "registered to a person (not held in trust for a corporation)". Section 22(3) adds that no corporation is entitled to register or vote.
One property, one vote. Section 24(2) says a person may register for only one parcel, however many they own in the city. Section 86 says a person must not vote more than once in the same election.
How to register
The City lists two ways for 2026:
- At a voting place on a voting day. That includes the four advance voting days, October 3, 7, 10 and 13, and election day, October 17. Voting places are open 8am to 8pm. Section 30.1 of the Charter allows registration "immediately before voting".
- While applying to vote by mail, through the City's vote by mail site. The window to have a package mailed to you closes on October 5 at noon. Our vote by mail guide has the later pickup dates.
What to bring
- The application form. The City's form is called "Application for registration as a non-resident property elector and consent of registered owners". You must sign it in front of a witness, who also signs and gives a home address, unless the witness is an election worker.
- 2 pieces of ID. Both must show your name, 1 must show your address and 1 must show your signature, according to the City.
- Proof that you own the property, such as a property tax notice, an assessment notice or a certificate of title.
- Written consent from your co-owners, if other people are on title with you.
One difference from resident voters: section 30.1 requires at least 2 documents proving identity, with a signature on at least 1, and offers no solemn declaration in place of a document. Our guide to voter ID in Vancouver explains the resident rules.
What you vote for
A non-resident property elector votes in the same races as a resident: mayor, council, Park Board and school board, and the ballot questions. When you sign the voting book, section 87 of the Charter requires you to give the address of the property you are voting for, as well as your home address.
The City notes that registering as a property elector in Vancouver does not add your name to the provincial voters list. Your name stays on the City's list.
Before you go
- Confirm you meet all five tests, and that the property is not held for a company or trust.
- If you share ownership, collect written consent from enough co-owners to make a majority.
- Gather 2 pieces of ID and a tax notice, assessment notice or title certificate.
- Pick a day and place on our where to vote page.
- Read the candidates' records on our candidates page.
The City of Vancouver is the authority on voter registration. If anything here disagrees with vancouver.ca, the City's page is correct.
Questions this story answers
What is a non-resident property elector in Vancouver?
A non-resident property elector is a person who owns property in Vancouver but lives in another part of British Columbia, and who meets the tests in section 24 of the Vancouver Charter. They can vote in Vancouver's election on October 17, 2026 in relation to that property, after registering with the City at a voting place or through vote by mail.
Who qualifies as a non-resident property elector in Vancouver in 2026?
You must be a Canadian citizen, 18 or older on October 17, 2026, have lived elsewhere in BC for at least 6 months before registering, and have been a registered owner of the Vancouver property for at least 30 days before registering. A registered lease of 99 years or more also counts.
Can both owners of a jointly owned Vancouver home vote as property electors?
No. Section 24(5) of the Vancouver Charter allows only one of the registered owners to register as a non-resident property elector for that property. The owner who registers needs written consent from enough co-owners that, together with them, they make up a majority of the owners.
Can I vote as a property elector if my company owns the property?
No. Section 24(1)(f) of the Vancouver Charter requires every registered owner of the property to be an individual who is not holding it in trust for a corporation or another trust. The City's page says the property must be registered to a person and not held in trust for a corporation.
I own several properties in Vancouver. How many votes do I get?
One. Section 24(2) of the Vancouver Charter says a person may register as a non-resident property elector in relation to only one parcel of property in the city, and section 86 says a person must not vote more than once in the same election.
How do I register as a non-resident property elector in Vancouver?
The City of Vancouver lists two ways for 2026: register at a voting place on a voting day, or register while applying to vote by mail. You complete an application form, signed in front of a witness, and bring 2 pieces of ID plus proof that you own the property.
What proof of ownership do I need to vote as a property elector?
The City of Vancouver accepts documents such as a property tax notice, an assessment notice or a certificate of title as proof of ownership. If other people are also registered owners, you also need their written consent on the City's form, from enough owners to make a majority.
What ID do non-resident property electors need?
The City asks for 2 pieces of identification: both must show your name, 1 must show your address and 1 must show your signature. Section 30.1 of the Vancouver Charter requires at least 2 documents proving identity, with a signature on at least 1, and has no solemn declaration option.
Can I be both a resident voter and a property elector in Vancouver?
No. A person who is entitled to register as a resident of Vancouver cannot register as a non-resident property elector, under section 24(1)(a) of the Vancouver Charter. The City adds that someone on the Vancouver voters list as a resident cannot use the property route.
Sources
The pages this story draws on. Open one to check a claim yourself.
- City of Vancouver, Non-resident property electorsvancouver.ca
- City of Vancouver, Guide to voting (2026 voter's guide)vancouver.ca
- Vancouver Charter, Part I: sections 22, 24, 28, 30.1 and 86bclaws.gov.bc.ca
- City of Vancouver, Vote by mail application sitevotebymail.vancouver.ca
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