Elections
Perform Your Civic Duty
General Local Elections are held in Houston every four years to elect a Mayor, Councillors, and other local officials, such as School District #54 Trustees. Learn about our local elections and find out how you can participate in our community and democracy by casting a vote during election season.
The 2026 General Local Election will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
About Municipal Elections
Through General Local Elections, resident and non-resident property electors determine the individuals who will collectively make decisions and govern on their behalf following General Voting Day. Electors do this by voting – casting their ballots in favour of candidate(s).
In British Columbia, General Local Elections for Mayors, Councillors, Electoral Area Directors, and School Trustees are held every four years on the third Saturday of October.
General Local Elections are a shared responsibility between local governments and Elections BC. Each local government is responsible for running its own General Local Election and must appoint a Chief Election Officer to administer the election process.
Elections must be conducted in accordance with the Local Government Act, the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, the Community Charter, the School Act, and applicable election-related bylaws.
| Name | Running for Office of |
|---|---|
| Shane Brienen | Mayor |
| Lisa Mueller | Mayor |
| Kyle Thomson | Mayor |
| Mike Bowes | Councillor |
| Rebecca Hougen | Councillor |
| Greg LeBlanc | Councillor |
| Amber Oevering | Councillor |
| Troy Reitsma | Councillor |
| Glory Shumbusho | Councillor |
| Thomas Stringfellow | Councillor |
| Kellie-Lynn Dondale | School District No. 54 Trustee (Houston – Zone 4) |
| Sharon Redford | School District No. 54 Trustee (Houston – Zone 4) |
| Jennifer Williams | School District No. 54 Trustee (Houston – Zone 4) |
| Matt Williamson | School District No. 54 Trustee (Houston – Zone 4) |
The 2026 election results will be posted here when they become available.
2022 Election Results2026 General Local Election
2026 Key Dates
| Date | Task |
|---|---|
| April 16 | Residency cut-off date for electors (must have been a BC resident since this date) |
| July 22 – September 11 | Nomination packages available |
| September 1 at 9:00 AM | Nomination period begins |
| September 11 at 4:00 PM | Nomination period closes |
| September 15 at 4:00 PM | Deadline to challenge nominations and elector organization endorsements |
| September 16 | Property ownership cut-off date for non-resident property electors (if you are not a resident, you may be eligible to vote if you have owned property in Houston since this date) |
| September 18 at 4:00 PM | Deadline for:
|
| September 19 – October 17 | Campaign period |
| September 30 | First day to request Mail Ballot |
| October 7 (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) | Advance Voting Day – Houston Community Hall |
| October 15 at 4:00 PM | Last day to request Mail Ballot |
| October 17 (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) | General Voting Day – Houston Community Hall |
| October 17 at 8:00 PM | Deadline to return mail ballots to the Chief Election Officer |
| October 24 | Campaign signage must be removed |
| November 3 | Inaugural Council Meeting (Oath of Office) |
Voter Eligibility
Are you…
- 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day?
- A Canadian citizen?
- A resident of British Columbia for at least six months before registering to vote?
- Currently living in the District of Houston?*
- Not disqualified from voting under the Local Government Act or any other law?
If yes to all of the above, you are ready to vote.
Additional Requirements: Voters will register at the voting place by bringing acceptable identification (see below – What you must bring).
*NOTE: If you are an electoral area resident elector, use the map at the following link to determine whether you are eligible to vote in the School District Trustee Election for Houston – Zone 4: Zone 4 Boundary Map. You must reside within the Zone 4 boundary to be eligible.
Are you…
- A property owner in the District of Houston but not a resident?
- 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day?
- A Canadian citizen?
- A British Columbia resident for at least six months before registering to vote?
- A District of Houston property owner for at least 30 days before registering to vote?*
- Not disqualified from voting under the Local Government Act or any other law?
If yes to all of the above, you’re ready to vote as a Non-Resident Property Elector.
Additional Requirements: Be sure to bring the completed consent form* (if applicable), proof of property ownership, and acceptable identification (see below – What you must bring) to the voting place. *If the property has more than one registered owner, only one owner may vote, and a majority of the owners (50% plus one) must complete a Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Form authorizing that person to vote.
*NOTE: Corporations are not eligible to vote. If you are an electoral area non-resident property elector, use the map at the following link to determine whether you are eligible to vote in the School District Trustee Election for Houston – Zone 4: Zone 4 Boundary Map. You must own property within the Zone 4 boundary to be eligible.
Voters must show two (2) pieces of acceptable identification at the time of voting (photo ID is not required).
Together, the two pieces must show:
- Your name;
- Your residential address; and
- At least one (1) must include your signature.
If your ID does not show your address:
You may provide two (2) pieces of ID that prove your identity, one of which must include your signature, and then make a solemn declaration of your residential address to the Election Official at the voting place.
Acceptable Identification includes:
- BC Drivers Licence*;
- BC Care Card*;
- BC Identification Card;
- BC Services Card with or without a photo;
- Certificate of Indian Status;
- Vehicle insurance papers;
- Social Insurance Number Card;
- Citizenship Card;
- Property tax notice;
- Credit card or debit card; or
- Utility bill.
*NOTE: If the Drivers Licence and the Care Card are combined, then this document only counts as one (1) piece of identification and another piece of identification must be provided.
Mail Ballot Voting
Mail ballot voting applications are accepted from September 30 to October 15 at 4:00 PM. Please note that once you request a mail ballot, you will not be issued another ballot for this election.
To request a mail ballot, download and complete the form below and deliver it to the District of Houston, 3367 12th Street, or email it to corporate@houston.ca. Applications can also be completed in person at the District of Houston Municipal Office.
Voter Assistance
Voters who need help during the voting process may have another person assist them. This support can include translation, mobility assistance, or help marking the ballot. Anyone who assists a voter will be required to complete a form at the voting place.
If a voter does not have someone who can accompany them, they may request assistance from an election official.
Legislation & Bylaws
Provincial Legislation
Candidate Resources
Additional election resources can be found in the drop-down menus below:
- Financial Reporting and Political Contributions System (Elections BC)
- Guide to Campaign Financing for Local Candidates and Financial Agents in BC (Elections BC)
- Quick Reference Sheets Related to Campaign Financing (Elections BC)
- Third Party Sponsors and Advertising (Province of BC)
- Information Sessions for Third-Party Sponsors (Elections BC)
Contact the Election Office
Chief Election Officer
Karen Hogstead, Director of Corporate Services
Deputy Chief Election Officer
Stefanie LeBlanc, Community Development Coordinator