Preparing for B.C. municipal elections 2022
General local or “municipal” elections in B.C. are held every four years. The next one will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Find out how you can raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias with the candidates in your community.
Your local government impacts you every day. They’re responsible for the planning, growth and safety of their communities, as well as infrastructure like water, parks, recreation centres, libraries, roads and so much more! Their role is to listen to the concerns of people living in their communities, provide services based on the needs of the community and implement changes through new or amended bylaws. They balance different community interests to find a path forward.
Municipal elections will be held across B.C.’s 162 municipalities are coming up on October 15. As you get ready to cast your vote, take some time to think about how you can use this opportunity to advocate for issues affecting people living with dementia, their caregivers and families.
How can you make dementia a priority for your local government?
Local governments play a crucial role in making sure their communities are age friendly, which means making it easier for older people to age actively, live securely, enjoy good health and continue to fully participate in society. Communities across B.C. can work with the Province of B.C. to officially become age friendly.
Candidates who knock on your door want to hear from you. Raise awareness of the importance of age-friendly initiatives and dementia-friendly communities by asking candidates how they will build a community that accommodates both seniors and people on the dementia journey. Check out your municipality’s website for detailed information about the election including voting locations, the candidates in your area and how to connect with candidates to learn more about their platform.
Below are the key features of an age-friendly community. Consider whether some or all these features are available in your local area. Ask candidates running for your local government whether they will commit to building age and dementia-friendly communities.
There are eight key features of an age-friendly community:
- Outdoor spaces and public buildings are pleasant, clean, secure and physically accessible.
- Community support and health services are tailored to older persons’ needs.
- Age-friendly communication and information is available.
- Opportunities for employment and volunteerism cater to older persons’ interests and abilities.
- Older people are treated with respect and are included in civic life.
- Opportunities exist for participation in leisure, social, cultural and spiritual activities with people of all ages and cultures.
- Housing is affordable, appropriately located, well built, well designed and secure.
- Public transportation is accessible and affordable.
Are you ready for voting day?
- Make sure you can vote – Find information on your local government election by visiting their website.
- Vote in advance at your local voting place on advance voting days October 1, 5, 8, 11 and 13.
- Vote on election day – Saturday, October 15 at your local voting place between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Vote by mail – by requesting a “vote by mail” package and free return postage. The last day to request a vote by mail package to your address is Thursday, September 29. The last day to pick up a vote by mail package from your local election office is Friday, October 14.
Don’t forget your ID!
Whether you are voting in advance, ordering a vote by mail package, or planning to vote in-person in your community, you must prove your identity and residential address. You may show a government-issued ID that includes your photo and address like a B.C. driver’s license. Other accepted forms of identification are described here.