Part of the 2026 Coquitlam Election Guide
Quick answer: You can vote in the 2026 Coquitlam municipal election if you meet the eligibility rules for a resident elector or a non-resident property elector. Renters can vote if they live in Coquitlam and meet the voter eligibility requirements. You do not need to own property to vote as a resident elector.
Who can vote in Coquitlam?
Coquitlam voters include two main groups:
- Resident electors — people who live in Coquitlam and meet the voter eligibility rules.
- Non-resident property electors — people who live elsewhere in B.C. but own property in Coquitlam and meet the special rules for non-resident property voting.
Most voters are resident electors. If you live in Coquitlam, you do not need to own your home in order to vote.
Resident elector requirements
To qualify as a resident elector in Coquitlam, you generally need to meet all of the following requirements at the time of voting:
- You are 18 years of age or older on or before General Voting Day.
- You are a Canadian citizen.
- You have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before the day of registration.
- You are a resident of the City of Coquitlam under the applicable rules.
- You are not disqualified from voting by law.
For official eligibility rules, always check the City of Coquitlam voter information page.
Can renters vote in Coquitlam?
Yes. Renters can vote in the Coquitlam municipal election if they live in Coquitlam and meet the resident elector requirements.
You do not need to own property to vote as a resident elector. Local elections are not only for homeowners. They affect renters, families, seniors, students, workers, and everyone who depends on city services.
Can students vote?
Students may be eligible to vote, but they should check the official rules carefully. In general, students who live in one jurisdiction while attending school in another may vote only once — either where they attend school or where they usually live.
If you are a student living in Coquitlam, check the City of Coquitlam and Province of B.C. voter eligibility information to confirm your options.
What about non-resident property owners?
Some people who do not live in Coquitlam may still be eligible to vote as non-resident property electors if they own property in Coquitlam and meet the legal requirements.
According to the City of Coquitlam, non-resident property electors must meet requirements including:
- being registered as a non-resident property elector in the City of Coquitlam,
- being 18 or older on or before General Voting Day,
- being a Canadian citizen,
- being a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before registration,
- being a registered owner of real property in Coquitlam for at least 30 days immediately before registration,
- not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust,
- not being entitled to register as a resident elector in Coquitlam, and
- not being disqualified from voting by law.
Only one person may vote per property as a non-resident property elector. If several people own the property, the owners must designate one owner to vote.
What are voters choosing in 2026?
In Coquitlam’s 2026 general local election, eligible voters will vote for:
- 1 Mayor,
- 8 City Councillors, and
- 4 School Trustees for School District No. 43.
The next Coquitlam general local election is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Register or update your voter information
Coquitlam uses the Provincial Voters List. You can register to vote or update your voter information through Elections BC.
Register or update your voter information with Elections BC
The advance registration deadline with Elections BC is August 18, 2026. If that date has passed, do not assume you cannot vote. Check the City of Coquitlam’s official election information for your options.
Why I am sharing this information
Local elections affect the decisions closest to daily life: housing, transportation, parks, taxes, infrastructure, safety, and how neighbourhoods grow. I want Coquitlam residents to have clear, accessible information about how to participate.
I am Benjamin Perry, and I am running for Coquitlam City Council because I believe City Hall should put neighbourhoods first and make decisions that work for residents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own property to vote in Coquitlam?
No. If you live in Coquitlam and meet the resident elector requirements, you can vote as a resident elector. Renters can vote.
Can non-Canadian citizens vote?
No. Local election voters must be Canadian citizens.
Can permanent residents vote?
No. Permanent residents who are not Canadian citizens are not eligible to vote in local elections.
Can non-resident property owners vote?
Some non-resident property owners may be eligible if they meet the rules for non-resident property electors. Check the City of Coquitlam’s official voter information page for details.
Can a corporation vote?
No. There is no corporate or business vote in local elections.
Is this an official City of Coquitlam election page?
No. This page is provided by Benjamin Perry’s campaign as a voter information resource. For official election information, please check the City of Coquitlam and Elections BC websites.
Official sources
Links to other pages in this series:
2026 Coquitlam Municipal Elections Guide
Who can vote in the 2026 municipal election?
What ID Do I Need to Vote in Coquitlam?
Where Do I Vote in the 2026 Coquitlam Election?
How do I Register to Vote in Coquitlam?
Who to Vote for in the 2026 Coquitlam Municipal Election