Vote for your Board of Education - 2026 School Trustee Election
The 2026 General Local Election will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026
Notice of Election by Voting
Declaration of Election by Voting
Declaration of Candidates 2026
Local government elections in British Columbia are held every four years, including the elections for the offices of School District Trustee on the Board of Education.
Elections and by-elections are conducted according to the rules and regulations set out in the Local Government Act which governs local government elections throughout British Columbia.
For information on all aspects of voting or running for office in local government elections, please visit “Preparing for the Role of School Trustee” section on our website and/or visit the following websites:
- BC School Trustees Association
- Elections BC
- Local Government – Governance & Powers – General Local Elections
- Ministry of Education and Child Care – School Trustee Election Procedures
Candidates with questions regarding election advertising, please refer to this link: Election Advertising - Quick Reference Sheet
Preparing for the Role of School Trustee
The following documents contain information about the role of trustees and the election process. Please check our website regularly for additional information as it becomes available.
- The Role of Boards of Education and Trustees in BC
- Being an effective elected official
- Thinking About Running for Local Office
- Electoral Organizations
LIST OF REGISTERED VOTERS - TNRD ELECTORAL M & N ONLY
Beginning Tuesday, September 1, 2026, until the close of general voting for the general local election on Saturday, October 17, 2026, a copy of the list of registered electors will be available for public inspection during regular office hours at the Nicola-Similkameen School Board Office, 1550 Chapman St from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Before inspecting the list, a person must sign a statement that they will not inspect the list or use the information except for the purposes of Part 3 - Electors and Elections of the Local Government Act.
Trustee Election Information Session
These sessions will provide candidates with information regarding the rules in the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.
- Princeton - Monday, June 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00pm - PSS Library, 201 Old Merritt Hwy
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Merritt - Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00pm - School Board Office, Board Room, 1550 Chapman Street
Please RSVP to Kassey Buckland @ [email protected]
- Understanding the Role of a School Trustee
- School Trustee Candidate Guide
- Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in BC
-
Local Elections Campaign Financing Act (LECFA)
2026 British Columbia School Trustee Elections
- Thinking About Running? BCSTA Has You Covered
- Whether you're considering a run for school trustee or know someone who might be, BCSTA has developed a comprehensive suite of candidate resources — covering everything from the nomination process and legal obligations to the day-to-day responsibilities of a school trustee.
- These materials are designed to help anyone thinking about running feel informed, prepared, and confident. Visit bcsta.org/elections to explore the full set of resources and share them widely. Every prospective candidate who steps forward is investing in their community and in BC's students.
- The BCSTA thanks every potential candidate for considering this important role. Your commitment to public education, to your community, and above all to BC's students is what makes this work matter.
- BLOG: On Education Canada
- What candidates for school trustee should and should not campaign about
- BLOG: Culture of Yes - Chris Kennedy
- Considering Running for School Trustee? A Few Things to Know First
Trustee Role & Responsibilities
From the B.C. School Trustees Association (BCSTA):
As locally elected representatives, trustees understand their respective communities’ particular strengths, challenges, and demands best.
Trustees engage their communities in building and maintaining a school system that reflects local priorities, values, and strategic goals. School trustees listen to their communities, guide the work of their school district, hire the superintendent, and set plans, policies, and the annual budget.
Reflecting the strength of local representation, trustees, as part of the school board, report back to their communities on how students are doing.
The Role of a school trustee includes:
- Setting Strategic Direction
- Governing Finances Responsibly
- Hiring and Supporting Leadership
- Improving Student Achievement
- Championing Your Community
- Making Collective Decisions
Learn more about trustee elections and the role of a trustee at bcsta.org.
Nicola-Similkameen Key Policies
- Policy 1.20 Board Authority and Responsibilities
- Policy 1.21 Role of the Chairperson & Vice-Chairperson
- Policy 1.22 Trustee Code of Conduct
- Policy 1.30 Delegation of Authority
Explore the full Nicola-Similkameen Board of Education Policy Manual here.
Qualifications for Office
A person is qualified to be nominated, elected, and to hold office as a school trustee if they meet the following criteria:
- Canadian citizen
- 18 years of age or older on general voting day October 17, 2026
- Resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day nomination papers are filed
- Not disqualified under the School Act or any other enactment from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office as a trustee, or be otherwise disqualified by law
Key 2026 Election Dates
Nomination packages available – August 4, 2026
Nomination period – September 1-11, 2026
Last day to withdraw without Ministry approval – September 18, 2026
Declaration of election by voting or acclamation – September 21, 2026
Required advance voting day – October 7, 2026
2nd advance voting day – TBA
General voting day – October 17, 2026 (preliminary results evening of election)
Last day to declare official election results – October 21, 2026
First day available to take oath if elected by acclamation – October 18, 2026; if elected by voting – October 27, 2026
New term begins – November 1, 2026
Campaign Expense Limits
For further information on campaign expense limits and third-party advertising limits, please contact Elections BC:
- Toll-free phone: 1-800-661-8683
- Email: [email protected]
2026-2027 Board Meeting Dates
- September 16, 2026 - Princeton
- October 14, 2026 - Merritt
- November 4, 2026 - Princeton
- December 9, 2026 - Merritt
- January 13, 2027 - Princeton
- February 10, 2027 - Merritt
- March 10, 2027 - Princeton
- April 14, 2027 - Merritt
- May 12, 2027 - Princeton
- June 9, 2027 - Merritt