The District of Tofino’s General Local Election is coming up, with General Voting Day taking place on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

An election by voting will be held for the Office of Mayor, with one Mayor to be elected. The candidates are:

• Eric Galarneau
• Tom Stere

Eligible voters can cast their ballot in person during advance or general voting, or choose to vote by mail.

Mail Ballot Applications Now Available

As of September 29, 2026, all eligible electors can apply to vote by mail. Mail ballot voting allows eligible resident and non-resident property electors to register and cast their ballot without voting in person.

To request a mail ballot package, electors must complete an Application to Vote by Mail. Applications can be downloaded or picked up from the District of Tofino Municipal Office during regular business hours.

The Chief Election Officer must receive completed applications no later than 4 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Once an application is approved, electors can choose to:

• Pick up their mail ballot package from the Municipal Office;
• Designate another person to pick it up on their behalf; or
• Have the package sent by regular mail through Canada Post.

Election staff will confirm each applicant’s voter registration status. Electors who are not already registered will receive the required registration information with their mail ballot package.

Returning a Mail Ballot

The Chief Election Officer must receive completed mail ballots by 8 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to count them.

Mail ballots can be returned by mail, delivered to the Municipal Office by 4 PM on October 16, 2026, or delivered to the voting place at the Tofino Community Hall, 351 Arnet Road, during advance voting on October 7 or general voting on October 17, 2026.

Electors who choose to return their ballot by mail are responsible for ensuring it arrives before the deadline.

Provincial Election

The Province of British Columbia’s General Election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026. This is separate from the District of Tofino General Local Election.

For information about the provincial election, visit the Elections BC website.

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Questions?

Jaime Larsen | Chief Election Officer

250-725-3229 ext. 610 | election@tofino.ca