General local elections in Oak Bay, and B.C., are held every four years on the third Saturday in October.
The next general local election will be held on October 17, 2026. There will be multiple voting opportunities for the 2026 General Local Election as follows:
- One (1) Mayor
- Six (6) Councillors
- One (1) Oak Bay Electoral Area School Trustee
(For more information about School Trustees, visit SD61’s website.)
The nomination period for candidates closed at 4:00 p.m. on September 11, 2026.
Who's Running for Council?
Position of Mayor
Name
- HOLLAND, Sam
- MURDOCH, Kevin
City/Town of Residence
- Victoria
- Oak Bay
Position of Councillor
Name
- BRAITHWAITE, Hazel
- GLEESON, David
- GREEN, Cairine
- HELME, Roxanne
- MOORE, Will
- PATERSON, Esther
- STARKWEATHER, Sarah
- SWEENEY, Karin
- WELLER, Katerina
City/Town of Residence
- Victoria (Oak Bay)
- Oak Bay
- Victoria (Oak Bay)
- Victoria (Oak Bay)
- Oak Bay
- Victoria (Oak Bay)
- Victoria (Oak Bay)
- Oak Bay
- Oak Bay
The District of Oak Bay must remain a neutral party during elections, therefore, to find more information about candidates in Oak Bay (and all B.C. municipalities) please go to the CivicInfo BC Elections website. The website includes contact information authorized for release by candidates, including Oak Bay Council candidates. This section will be updated as candidates are confirmed.
Who's Running for Council?
Position of Mayor
| Name | City/Town of Residence | C-2 Nomination Documents |
| HOLLAND, Sam | Victoria | SHOLLAND – Nomination Form |
| MURDOCH, Kevin | Oak Bay | KMURDOCH – Nomination Form |
Position of Councillor
| Name | City/Town of Residence | C-2 Nomination Documents |
| BRAITHWAITE, Hazel | Victoria (Oak Bay) | HBraithwaite-Nomination Form |
| GLEESON, David | Oak Bay | DGleeson – Nomination Form |
| GREEN, Cairine | Victoria (Oak Bay) | CGreen – Nomination Form |
| HELME, Roxanne | Victoria (Oak Bay) | RHelme – Nomination Form |
| MOORE, Will | Oak Bay | WMoore – Nomination Form |
| PATERSON, Esther | Victoria (Oak Bay) | EPaterson – Nomination Form |
| STARKWEATHER, Sarah | Victoria (Oak Bay) | SStarkweather – Nomination Form |
| SWEENEY, Karin | Oak Bay | KSweeney – Nomination Form |
| WELLER, Katerina | Oak Bay | KWeller – Nomination Form |
The District of Oak Bay must remain a neutral party during elections, therefore, to find more information about candidates in Oak Bay (and all B.C. municipalities) please go to the CivicInfo BC Elections website. The website includes contact information authorized for release by candidates, including Oak Bay Council candidates. This section will be updated as candidates are confirmed.
Voting in the Election
Running as a Candidate
Vote By Mail
Working the Election
Election History
Frequently Asked Questions
Vote By Mail
How do I apply to Vote by Mail?
You can apply online at any time or in-person at Municipal Hall (2167 Oak Bay Avenue) and over the phone at 250-370-7208 on non-statutory weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Do I have to be on the Voters List to apply to Vote by Mail?
No, you can register to vote at the same time you complete your Vote by Mail application. Your Mail Ballot Package will include the appropriate forms and further instructions.
How do I know if I am on the Voters List?
Oak Bay uses the Provincial Voting List. If you are unsure if you are registered to vote, you can contact Oak Bay election staff by telephone at 250-370-7208, or in-person at Municipal Hall (2167 Oak Bay Avenue) on non-statutory weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
What Identification is accepted for my Vote by Mail application?
- If you are already on the Voters List, you will not need to provide a copy of your identification.
- If you are not on the Voters List, please provide a copy of two pieces of Government approved identification (one requires your signature)
- Please see the list of acceptable government identification on the Elections BC website.
Can I apply to Vote by Mail as a Non-Resident Property Elector?
Yes, please indicate that you are a Non-Resident Property Elector when you make your application. Your Mail Ballot Package will include the appropriate forms and further instructions.
What is the last day to apply to Vote by Mail?
Tuesday, October 6 at 4:30 PM.
What if I miss the October 6 deadline to apply to Vote by Mail?
You can still vote in-person on all voting days:
- Advanced Voting Days on October 7 and 14 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
- General Election Day on October 17 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
Henderson Recreation Centre, 2291 Cedar Hill X Road
Can I have my Vote by Mail Package mailed internationally?
Yes, we can send your Vote by Mail Package internationally through Canada Post. Courier fees will be the responsibility of the Elector.
Once I apply to Vote by Mail, when will my Mail Ballot Package be available?
- Election Ballots are prepared for the District following the final declaration of candidates which occurs on September 18, 2026.
- It is anticipated that ballots will be available the week of September 28, 2026, but cannot be guaranteed.
How do I receive my Mail Ballot Package?
You can either pick up your Mail Ballot Package at Oak Bay Municipal Hall or have it mailed to an address of your choice.
What if I leave home during the week of September 21 and will not be back until after the election?
- Please contact election staff after you apply if you are currently or intend to travel out of town. Staff will prioritize preparing and mailing your package first.
- If possible, we strongly recommend requesting to pick up your package as it will be available sooner than if it is mailed.
- It is the responsibility of the elector to ensure their mail ballot package is returned before 8:00 PM on Saturday October 17, 2026.
How do I know if my Mail Ballot Package is ready for pickup?
- Election staff will reach out by phone or email (as indicated in your Vote by Mail application) to notify you that your Mail Ballot Package is available.
- Call ahead at 250-370-7208 before you come to collect your package.
Can someone else pick up my Mail Ballot Package for me?
Yes, but you will need to specify a designated pickup person on your Vote by Mail application.
The designated pickup person must show two pieces of identification and sign a declaration upon pickup.
What kind of pen do I use to mark my ballot?
- While a black pen is preferred, any dark blue or black pen can be used to mark your ballot.
- A pen will not be provided with your Mail Ballot Package
- To ensure that the voting machines read your ballot accurately, we recommend filling in the ovals rather than drawing an X through the ovals on your ballot.
Can I still vote in person if I have requested a Mail Ballot Package?
- Yes, if you have requested a mail ballot package but have not received it or returned it, you may still vote in person.
- An eligible elector may only vote once in an election. If a person votes in person before their Mail Ballot Package is returned, their mail ballot will not be counted in the election.
How do I return my Mail Ballot Package?
- Mail ballots can be mailed back to Municipal Hall and must be received by 8:00 PM on General Voting Day, October 17.
District of Oak Bay (Attn: Chief Election Officer)
2167 Oak Bay Avenue
Victoria, BC V8R 1G2 - Mail ballots can be returned in-person:
- To Municipal Hall (2167 Oak Bay Avenue) either to reception staff or after hours in the external mail slot located at the Oak Bay Avenue entrance of the Municipal Hall until October 17 at 8:00 PM.
- At the Advance Voting location on October 7 & 14: at Monterey Recreation Centre (1442 Monterey Avenue from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- At General Voting Day locations on October 17: at Henderson Recreation Centre (2291 Cedar Hill X Road) and Monterey Recreation Centre (1442 Monterey Avenue) from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Voters
Am I on the Voters List?
Oak Bay uses the Provincial Voting List. If you are unsure if you are registered to vote, you can contact election staff in-person at Municipal Hall (2167 Oak Bay Avenue) and over the phone at 250-370-7208 on non-statutory weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
How do I register to vote?
- Advance voting registration closed on August 25, 2026.
- You can either complete same-day registration to vote when you arrive to vote at any voting location (see “Where do I Vote?” below) or by applying for a Mail Ballot Package.
- You must provide two pieces of ID to register to vote.
Can I vote if I own property in Oak Bay but reside elsewhere in British Columbia?
- If you are the owner of a residential property in Oak Bay but reside in another BC municipality, you may be eligible to vote as a Non-Resident Property Elector.
- You must meet the requirements to vote as a Non-Resident Property Elector as outlined on the Information for Voters page.
- You are not eligible to vote as a Non-Resident Property Elector if you own a commercial property or if the owner listed on title is a company.
How do I register to vote as a Non-Resident Property Elector?
- You can register as a Non-Resident Property Elector during all Voting Locations or when you apply to Vote by Mail. You will be provided with all forms required.
- Only one Non-Resident Property Elector vote is permitted per property. If there is more than one person on title, you will require the consent of the majority of ownership of the residential property to vote as a Non-Resident Property Elector.
- If you wish to fill out your forms in advance, the required forms to register to vote as a Non-Resident Property Elector can be found on the here:
I am a Non-Resident Property Elector. Can I vote for a School District No. 61 School Trustee in Oak Bay?
No, under School District 61’s ward system, non–residents of Oak Bay are ineligible to vote for an Oak Bay Electoral Area School Trustee for School District No. 61.
When is Identification required for voting?
- If you are on the Voters List, you are not required to provide proof of identification.
- If you are registering to vote, you must provide two pieces of identification that provide evidence of your identity and residency (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary.
- A list of acceptable identification can be found by visiting the Elections BC Voter ID page.
Where can I find information about Candidates?
- Check the District of Oak Bay’s website for a listing of confirmed candidates above.
- The District of Oak Bay must remain a neutral party during elections. Additional information about candidates in Oak Bay (and all B.C. municipalities) is available through the CivicInfo BC Elections website. The website includes contact information authorized for release by candidates, including Oak Bay Council candidates.
Where can I find information about School District No. 61 Oak Bay Electoral Area School Trustee Candidates?
- Contact School District No. 61 for information regarding confirmed School Trustee candidates. School District No. 61 can be reached at:
- Email: chiefelectionofficer@sd61.bc.ca
- Phone: 250-475-3212
- Information about school trustee candidates for School District No. 61 (and all B.C. school districts) is available through the CivicInfo BC Elections website. The website includes contact information authorized for release by candidates, including Oak Bay Electoral Area School Trustee candidates.
What accessibility accommodations are available?
- All voting locations are wheelchair accessible.
- Voting by mail is available until the application cut-off date of October 6.
- To take advantage of Vote by Mail, electors must complete an application to receive a Mail Ballot Package which will be mailed to your residence or picked-up from Municipal Hall at your discretion.
- More information about Vote by Mail is available on the Vote by Mail webpage.
- Curbside voting will be available during all voting opportunities. See the instructions below to take advantage of curbside voting:
- When you arrive at a voting location, please park in one of the designated curbside voting parking stalls.
- Either call the posted phone number or have a person accompanying you enter the voting location to notify election staff to request this service.
- Contact election staff with any questions about accessibility during elections at 250-370-7208 on non-statutory weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Where do I vote?
- Advance Voting on October 7 and 14 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue - General Election Day on October 17 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
Henderson Recreation Centre, 2291 Cedar Hill X Road
What are the voter eligibility requirements?
- 18 years of age or older on general voting day for the election;
- a Canadian citizen;
- a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediate before the day of registration;
- a resident of the District of Oak Bay on the day of registration; and
- not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election and not otherwise disqualified by law.
Am I eligible to vote if I do not have a fixed address?
- Residency is determined by where a person lives and intends to return when absent
- An elector must provide evidence of identity and residency. When registering to vote, election officials may accept information that reasonably identifies your place of residence within the municipality, including having your identity vouched for in-person by another person and signing a declaration.
- If you have concerns with being able to meet identity or residency requirement, contact Election staff before voting by calling 250-370-7208
Can I assist a relative, friend or neighbour to vote?
- If an eligible elector has difficulty marking a ballot due to physical disability or difficulties with reading or writing, an election official or a person accompanying them may assist.
- To assist, you must sign a solemn declaration that you will preserve the secrecy of the ballot, mark the ballot in accordance with the elector’s wishes, and not attempt to influence them as to how they should vote.
How do I view the Voters List?
You may come to Municipal Hall from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on non-statutory weekdays to view the Voters List. You will be required to sign a declaration form.
How do I omit or obscure my name from the Voters List?
- An elector may request that their personal information be omitted from or obscured on the Voters List.
- You may come to Municipal Hall from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on non-statutory weekdays and request to omit or obscure your name from the Voters List. You will be required to fill out a form.
How can someone report an election offence?
- Campaign Financing or Election Advertising Offences – contact Elections BC staff
- Email: electoral.finance@elections.bc.ca
- Phone: 1-800-661-8683
- Election Sign-related Offences: contact Oak Bay Bylaw staff at 250-598-3311 or bylaw@oakbay.ca.
Voting in the Election
There will be multiple voting opportunities for the 2026 General Local Election as follows:
Wednesday October 7 | Advance Voting Day
- Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday October 14 | Advance Voting Day
- Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday October 17 | General Voting Day
- Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
- Henderson Recreation Centre, 2291 Cedar Hill X Road
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mail Ballots
Request your mail ballot now.
Wednesday October 7 | Advance Voting Day
- Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday October 14 | Advance Voting Day
- Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday October 17 | General Voting Day
- Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
- Henderson Recreation Centre, 2291 Cedar Hill X Road
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mail Ballots
Request your mail ballot now.
Key Dates (2026)
June/July
Recruitment for Election Staff (CLOSED)
August
Candidate Nomination Package Available
August 25
End of Advance Voter Registration
September
Vote By Mail applications available
September 1–11
Nomination Period
September 19
Start of Campaign Period
October 7 & 14
Advanced Voting Days
October 17
General Voting Day
Election Public Notices
Questions? Contact Us
June/July
Recruitment for Election Staff (CLOSED)
August
Candidate Nomination Package Available
August 25
End of Advance Voter Registration
September
Vote by mail applications available
September 1-11
Nomination period
September 19
Start of Campaign Period
October 7 & 14
Advanced Voting Days
October 17
General Voting Day