Mail Ballot Voting

How to Receive Your Mail Ballot

Mail Ballots will be available for pickup or sent by mail in early February (date of ballot availability is subject to printer delivery).

On the Mail Ballot Application Form 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 of City Hall during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. excluding statutory holidays). Mail Ballots will be available for pick up between February 14-28.
2. Designate another person to pick up your Mail Ballot on your behalf at the front counter in City Hall during regular business hours. Mail Ballots will be available for pickup between February 14-28.
3. Request to have your Mail Ballot mailed to your residential address. Mail Ballots will be sent using Canada Post standard mail service on February 14. Any approved applications received after February 19, 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 on February 14. 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.

Designating Someone to Pick Up Your Mail Ballot Package

If you have designated someone to pick up a package on your behalf 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
• will not attempt to discover how you have voted

Completing Your Mail Ballot

Some time in early February, Mail Ballot packages will be distributed for approved applications.  The package will contain the Mail Ballot, instructions on how to complete and return it to the Chief Election Officer, including any required forms and the return envelopes. 

If You are not on the Provincial Voters List

If you are not on the Provincial Voters List and live in the Town of Ladysmith, 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 are a Non-Resident Property Elector

If you reside outside of the Town of Ladysmith within British Columbia, but own property within the jurisdiction, you may also apply to receive a Mail Ballot. Please view the Voter Eligibility Requirements on the reverse of the Application for Registration as a Non-Resident Property Elector 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 the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officers at 250.245-6400 or vote@ladysmith.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 which will be provided with the Mail Ballot package.

Delivering Your Completed Mail Ballot
Completed Mail Ballots can be returned by:

• mail through Canada Post;
• by courier to City Hall; or
• dropped off at City Hall during regular business hours.

Mail Ballots must be received by the Chief Election Officer by the end of voting on March 1, 2025  at 8:00 p.m.  On March 1, Mail Ballots will only be accepted in person at the Voting Place:  Frank Jameson Community Centre, 810 6^th Avenue.  

Postmarks will not be accepted. Ballots received after 8:00 p.m. on March 1, 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 City Hall.