Voter Info | How to Vote in Port Coquitlam 2026

You're eligible if all four are true.

These are the rules for the 2026 general local elections.

18 or older

You're 18+ on voting day (or when you register).

Canadian citizen

You hold Canadian citizenship.

6 months in B.C.

You've lived in British Columbia for at least six months before you register.

Live in PoCo

You currently live in Port Coquitlam. (Own property here but live elsewhere? You may qualify as a non-resident property elector.)

Bring ID that shows your name and address.

If you're registering when you vote (most first-timers will), you'll need to prove who you are and where you live. Easiest path first:

EASIEST · ONE CARD

▸ BC driver's licence or BC Services Card
▸ Any government-issued photo ID with your name + address

NO PHOTO ID? · TWO DOCS

▸ Two documents that together show your name, one with a signature
▸ e.g. a bank/credit card, utility bill, tenancy agreement, or pay stub

No document proving your address? You can sign a solemn declaration at the voting place. No one eligible is turned away for paperwork alone.

GENERAL VOTING DAY · SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

Where to vote on October 17.

Bring photo ID and proof of address. You can vote at any of these locations.

Polls open 8am to 8pm

Blakeburn Elementary

1040 Riverside Dr.

Castle Park Elementary

1144 Confederation Dr.

Cedar Drive Elementary

3150 Cedar Dr.

Central Elementary

2260 Central Ave.

Hyde Creek Recreation Centre

1379 Laurier Ave.

Kilmer Elementary

1575 Knappen St.

Kwayhquitlum Middle

3280 Flint St.

The Outlet

2248 McAllister Ave.

Westwood Elementary

3610 Hastings St.

Voting places and hours are set by the City of Port Coquitlam's Chief Election Officer. Check with the City if you're unsure before you go.

Common questions

I've never voted before. Is it complicated?

Not at all. You show up at any assigned voting place in Port Coquitlam, prove who you are and where you live, get a ballot, mark it in private, and drop it in the box. It takes a few minutes. If you're not already registered, you can register right there on the spot.

Do I have to register ahead of time?

No. Port Coquitlam offers registration at the time of voting, so just bring acceptable ID showing your name and address and you can register and vote in the same trip. If you receive a voter card in the mail, it's helpful to bring it, but it isn't required.

What if I don't have a fixed address right now?

You can still vote. Bring two pieces of ID (one with a signature). If you don't have a document proving where you stay, an election official can have you sign a solemn declaration confirming your place of residence. The same applies if you live in an RV or tiny home without a street address.

Can I vote if I just moved to B.C.?

You can vote if you've lived in B.C. for at least six months before you register and you currently live in Port Coquitlam (plus the other eligibility rules). If you've been here less than six months, you won't be eligible for this election.

Can I get time off work to vote?

Local elections are always held on a Saturday. General Voting Day is Saturday, October 17, and polls are open 8am to 8pm, so there's no legal time-off requirement like federal or provincial elections. The 12-hour window works for most shift schedules.

Can someone help me mark my ballot?

Yes. If you need help because of a disability or difficulty reading or writing, an election official or a person you bring can assist you. The helper signs a short statement and promises to keep your ballot secret and mark it exactly as you direct.

I live on a First Nation reserve. Where do I vote?

Eligible electors living on reserve can vote. Where you vote depends on whether the reserve sits inside the municipality or an electoral area. If you're unsure, contact the City of Port Coquitlam to confirm where your ballot is cast.

Voting in Port Coquitlam, made simple.