Chief Election Officer - Peter Neale
Deputy Chief Election Officer - Richell Schwartz
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO STAND AS A SCHOOL TRUSTEE?
The question of who is qualified to be nominated for, elected or appointed to, and to hold office as a school trustee is determined by Part 4, Division 2 of the School Act (Trustee Qualifications).
The overall qualifications for nomination, election and appointment are that the person meet the following requirements:
• an individual who is, or will be on general voting day or effective date of appointment, age 18 or older;
• a Canadian citizen;
• a resident of British Columbia for at least six months before the date of the nomination, election or appointment; and
• not disqualified under the School Act or any other enactment from being nominated for, elected to or holding office as trustee.
New for 2026 Elections:
If you missed the Candidate Information Session, you can watch the recording: Candidate Information Session Recording
WHY TRUSTEES MATTER
✓ Set strategic direction that shapes young lives
✓ Hold fiduciary responsibility for public resources
✓ Bridge community needs with education policy
✓ Champion equity so every learner can reach their full potential
Attend the virtual Candidate Information Session on Monday, June 29, 2026 @ 12:00 pm to learn more about becoming a school trustee. Candidate Information Session Virtual Meeting Link
Campaign Accounts:
Section 18 of the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act (LECFA) requires financial agents of candidates running in a local election to deposit campaign funds into a separate campaign account in a savings institution. Section 18 also requires that all election related expenditures be paid from this account.
Elections BC encourages potential candidates to open their campaign accounts as early as possible to ensure that all financial transactions are put through the account as required by LECFA.
This letter explains the financial requirements for candidates and can be provided to a savings institution if needed.
If you have any questions, please contact Electoral Finance at 1-800-661-8683 or electoral.finance@elections.bc.ca.
Elections BC Information Session – Financing and Advertising Rules
Elections BC is offering information sessions for local candidates on financing and advertising on:
Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
These sessions will provide candidates with information regarding the rules in the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.
Use the link below to register:
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Information Session – Financing and Advertising Rules
Thursday, May 28, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
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Information Session – Financing and Advertising Rules
Thursday, July 30, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
More information about school trustees is available on the BC School Trustee Association website: https://bcsta.org/resources-and-services/trustee-elections/
BCSTA Video: BC School Trustees-Putting Students First (Hear from school trustees from throughout the province about their experience as local leaders on boards of education in advance of the upcoming elections in October)
General Election information can be found on the Elections BC website.
Notices:
Key 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 (if required) – October 14, 2026
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
Disclosure statement deadline: January 15, 2027
Late disclosure deadline: February 16, 2027
The following Electoral Areas are part of School District No. 59 (Peace River South):
Electoral Area I (Chetwynd & Rural Area):
Two (2) Trustees to be elected.
Electoral Area II (Tumbler Ridge):
One (1) Trustee to be elected.
Electoral Area III (Dawson Creek)
Two (2) Trustees to be elected.
Electoral Area IV (Rural Area Surrounding Dawson Creek):
Two (2) Trustees to be elected.
Useful Links:
Understanding the Role of a School Trustee Video
Run for a School Trustee 2026 Election
Your Guide to Becoming a School Trustee
School Trustee Candidate Guide
Elections BC 2026 Local Election
Handbook for Local Candidates-Elections BC
