Saanich General Local and School Board Elections on October 17

September 23, 2026

News Release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – On Saturday, October 17, Saanich residents will cast their votes to elect one Mayor, eight Councillors, four CRD Directors, two School District 63 trustees and two School District 61 trustees in the General Local and School Board elections.

The ballot will also include a non-binding question asking electors whether they support Saanich and Victoria becoming one municipality. 

“This year’s election has unique significance as regardless of the outcome Saanich will have a new mayor who will help lead our community for the next four years,” said Chief Election Officer Angila Bains. “Additionally, the ballot will include a non-binding amalgamation question, which adds significance to this year’s election. I challenge electors in the District to start making their voting plans today so that our community can significantly improve upon the 31 percent turnout in the 2022 election. No matter how you choose to vote, engaging in democracy by casting your ballot influences this beautiful community that you all call home."

General Local Elections are the most direct way for residents to influence their local government and school districts by determining the individuals who then make decisions and govern on their behalf. Local government is responsible for building and maintaining dependable core services like active transportation networks, parks, recreation facilities, wastewater, and fire protection among many others.

Three advance voting days (October 7, 13 and 14) allow more flexibility to voters and their schedules. On October 17, there will be 16 polling stations to make voting as accessible and efficient as possible. Mobile voting is being made available to accommodate residents, their families and staff in numerous assisted living facilities in Saanich.

Voting from home

Mail ballot applications are now being accepted from any qualified elector in Saanich.

To request a mail ballot, complete the online application at saanich.ca/vote-by-mail

Mail ballot applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

To be counted, your ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Once you have registered to vote by mail ballot, you cannot vote at the regular or advance polls.

Candidate Profile Guide

Saanich has compiled a Candidate Profile Guide to help voters learn about candidates. All candidates for offices of Mayor and Councillor were given the opportunity to submit a brief profile, photo and contact information to introduce themselves and their platforms to the electors.

Learn more

Election details and Saanich’s Candidate Profile Guide are available at saanich.ca/elections.

Residents are encouraged to contact Saanich if they have any questions about how to register, vote or access the candidate profile guide. Contact Legislative Services staff at elections@saanich.ca.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca

 

 

BACKGROUNDER

 

Advance voting opportunities

Wednesday, October 7

 

Tuesday, October 13

Wednesday, October 14

 

General voting day - Saturday, October 17, 2026 - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.