Victoria Election 2026: Don’t Miss Out on Voting due to Canada Post Mail Ballot Delay

VICTORIA, B.C. - The City has learned of a delay in Canada Post delivering requested mail ballots for the 2026 City of Victoria Local Government Election. Completed mail ballots must be received by the City by 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, to be counted. Here's what you can do to avoid missing out on voting.

If you receive your requested ballot in the mail this week:

• Do not place a completed ballot in the mail.
• Return a completed mail ballot:
  
  • to the drop box at the Pandora Avenue entrance of City Hall by 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17
  • during an advance voting opportunity this week
  • or to any of the 12 voting places on General Voting Day by 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17
• If you're not able to deliver your completed mail ballot in person, you can have someone drop it off on your behalf.
• When you visit a voting place to drop off a completed mail ballot, do not stand in line. Place it in the Mail Ballot Box or ask an Election Official for assistance.

If you have not yet received your requested ballot in the mail, we encourage you to visit an advance voting opportunity this week to vote in person. Advance voting is generally quieter than General Voting Day and takes place on:

Tuesday, Oct. 13 (TODAY)
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Thursday, Oct. 15
8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas St.
(An accessible voting machine will be available.)

Wednesday, Oct. 14
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
University of Victoria
Student Union Building
Michèle Pujol Room
3800 Finnerty Rd.

You can also vote at ANY of the 12 voting places on General Voting Day on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting place parking maps are available at victoria.ca/election.

If you recently placed your completed mail ballot in the mail and are concerned the City won't receive it in time, please vote in person. Your vote will only be counted once in the system. If you have voted in person and then receive your ballot in the mail, please dispose of it.

Accessible Voting
For voters with accessibility needs, there are services available to help you vote.

If you require assistance, please contact City of Victoria Legislative Services at 250.361.0571.

For complete election information, visit victoria.ca/election.

Media Contact:
Colleen Mycroft
Manager, Intergovernmental and Media Relations
250.896.5325 | [email protected]