Mail Ballot Voting

You must complete and submit an application form in order to receive a Mail Ballot.  Apply online by filling out the automatic Mail Ballot Webform Application, or by picking up an application at the front counter at the Municipal Hall located at 7030 Trans-Canada Highway during regular business hours. 

Applications will be accepted until 2:00 pm on April 12, 2025. 

Mail Ballots will be available for pickup of sent by mail late March (date of ballot availability is subject to printer delivery).  

On the Mail Ballot Webform Application, you can select the method of delivery for your Mail Ballot. There are four options:  

1. Pick up your Mail Ballot at the front counter in Municipal Hall during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm excluding statutory holidays). Estimated date that Mail Ballots will be available for pick up is between March 25, 2025, and April 11, 2025.  
2. Designate another person to pick up your Mail Ballot on your behalf at the front counter in Municipal Hall during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm excluding statutory holidays). Mail Ballots are estimated to be available for pick up between March 25, 2025, and April 11, 2025.  
3. Request to have your Mail Ballot mailed to your residential address. Mail Ballots will be sent using Canada Post standard mail service, (estimated) on March 25, 2025. Any approved applications received after March 27, 2025, that request delivery by mail will be sent as soon as possible, however, we recommend that you or someone you designate pick up your Mail Ballot to avoid any delays.
4. Request to have your Mail Ballot mailed to a different address. Mail Ballots will be sent using Canada Post standard mail service (estimated) on March 25, 2025. If you will be outside Canada, we recommend you designate someone to pick up your Mail Ballot on your behalf and express post it to your out-of-country location. 

If you have designated someone to pick up a package on your behalf they will be required to:

• provide authorization stating they can do so. Their name and address must be included in your Mail Ballot Application Form; and
• provide two pieces of identification to verify their identity.

Prior to releasing your Mail Ballot to them, they will be required to complete a Mail Ballot Third Party Declaration Form and make a solemn affirmation that they:  

• will not use the Mail Ballot for themselves or someone other than you  
• will deliver the Mail Ballot to you  
• will refrain from attempting to influence you on how you should vote  

Sometime in late March, Mail Ballot packages will be distributed for approved applications. 

The package will contain the Mail Ballot, instructions on how to complete and return to the Chief Election Officer, including any required forms and the return envelopes.  

If you are not on the Provincial Voters List, you must complete an Application for Registration as a Local Government Resident Elector which will be provided with the Mail Ballot package.

Submit the completed registration form and a copy of two pieces of identification with your Mail Ballot.  

• If you reside outside of North Cowichan within British Columbia, but own property within the jurisdiction, you may also apply to receive a Mail Ballot. Please view the voter eligibility requirements to determine if you are eligible to vote as non-resident property elector (NRPE). 
• If you are eligible, and your name does not appear on the Register of Non-Resident Property Electors, you will be required to complete an Application for Registration as a Non-Resident Property Elector and submit it with your Mail Ballot. The application form will be provided with the Mail Ballot package. If you are uncertain whether you are on the register, please contact Andrea Hainrich, Deputy Chief Election Officer by phone: 250-746-3172, or by email: election@northcowichan.ca. 
• If you own this property with one or more other individuals, only one person is eligible to vote as the NRPE for that property. The owner entitled to vote must be designated, in writing, by the majority of the property owners. A majority of the registered owners must sign the Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Form. The consent form will be provided with the Mail Ballot package. 

Completed Mail Ballots can be returned by:  

• mail through Canada Post;  
• courier to Municipal Hall;  
• dropped off at the Municipal Hall during regular business hours; or,  
• dropped off at the drop box located at the front doors of the Municipal Hall, available seven days a week, 24 hours a day up to and including 8:00 pm on general voting day.  

The deadline to return completed mail ballots is 8:00 pm on Saturday, April 12, 2025. 

Mail Ballots must be received by the Chief Election Officer by the end of voting on April 12, 2025 at 8:00 pm. Mail Ballots will only be accepted in person at Municipal Hall: 7030 Trans-Canada Highway.  Ballots received after 8:00 pm on April 12, 2025 will not be counted.

You are responsible for ensuring your completed Mail Ballot is received by the Chief Election Officer before the voting deadline. Due to the potential for postal delays, you are encouraged to drop off your mail ballot at the Municipal Hall.