Maple Ridge, B.C., June 3, 2026 — Maple Ridge residents are encouraged to start preparing for the 2026 Local General Election, taking place on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The election will determine the community’s elected officials, including one Mayor and six Councillors for the City of Maple Ridge, and five School Trustees for School District No. 42. Elected officials will serve a four-year term from November 2026 to October 2030.
“Municipal elections are one of the most direct ways residents can help shape their community and influence decisions that affect everyday life —from parks and recreation to public safety, transportation, infrastructure and community planning,” said Carolyn Mushata, Director of Legislative Services and Chief Election Officer. “Our goal is to ensure every eligible voter understands when, where and how they can participate in the election. Whether you are voting for the first time or have voted in many elections, we encourage everyone to vote and shape the future of our community.”
Interested in Running for Office?
Those considering a run for Mayor or Councillor are invited to attend a Candidate Information Session on June 17 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers (11995 Haney Place). A separate session will be held by the School District for those interested in running as a School Trustee.
The free information session is recommended for prospective Mayor and councillor candidates and will provide an overview of:
- Local government and school trustee elections, voting processes
- Election legislation and regulations
- Key election dates and deadlines
- Candidate nomination requirements
- Campaign responsibilities
- Roles, responsibilities, compensation and time commitments of elected officials
City staff will be available to answer questions. No registration is required.
Candidate Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to run for Mayor, Councillor or School Trustee, a person must:
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day
- Have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before filing nomination papers
- Not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other legislation from voting or holding elected office
Candidates do not need to reside within the municipality in which they are seeking office.
Candidate Nomination Period Opens September 1
The statutory nomination period begins at 9:00 am on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, and closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. Nomination documents may be submitted in person, by mail, by courier service or by email to Election@mapleridge.ca. Candidate nomination packages will be available beginning June 17, 2026 at MapleRidge.ca/Candidates and at City Hall.
School Trustee Candidate Information Sessions
School District No. 42 will also host information sessions for individuals interested in serving as School Trustees. The sessions will take place at 6:00pm on Wednesday, June 24 and Wednesday, Aug. 26 at the District Education Office (22225 Brown Ave.) and will provide an overview of school district operations and the role and responsibilities of trustees. To register, email Elections@sd42.ca.
Mark Your Calendars: Three Ways to Vote
Residents will have three options for how they cast their ballot: advance voting opportunities, on General Voting Day, or by mail.
- Vote Early: Wednesday, Oct. 7, Saturday, Oct. 10, Wednesday, Oct. 14, Thursday, Oct. 15.
- General Voting Day: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Locations posted at MapleRidge.ca/GoVote.
- Vote by Mail: Eligible voters may choose to vote by mail. Applications will be available beginning Sept. 17 with mail ballots available beginning Oct. 7. Completed mail ballots must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8:00 pm on Oct. 17, 2026. Information, and mail ballot applications, will be available on the City’s election webpage and at City Hall.
City Launching ‘Go Vote’ Community-Wide Participation Campaign
In the months leading up to Election Day, the City of Maple Ridge will launch a comprehensive, non-partisan ‘Go Vote’ communications and engagement campaign. The information will encourage voters to participate in the democratic process and provide clear and timely information about voter eligibility, registration requirements, voting opportunities and key election dates at MapleRidge.ca/GoVote.
The City will also begin recruiting Election Officials to help administer the 2026 Local General Election. Applications will open in early July 2026 and will be available at Maple Ridge.ca/Careers.
For more information contact Election@MapleRidge.ca.