Your city, your future, your vote

This October, Kelowna residents will have an opportunity to help shape the future of their city. 

The municipal election will determine the mayor and eight councillors who will guide Kelowna through the next four years, a period that will bring both exciting opportunities and important decisions as our community continues to grow. 

The choices made by local government touch our daily lives in ways many people don't always realize. From community safety and housing to transportation, parks, roads, recreation facilities and the services residents rely on every day, municipal decisions help shape the kind of city we live in today and the community we leave for future generations. Voting is one of the simplest and most powerful ways residents can have a say in that future. 
 

Let’s get out the vote 

In the last municipal election, only 30 per cent of eligible residents cast a ballot. That means the majority of residents did not take part in choosing the leaders who would make decisions on behalf of the community. 

This fall, Kelowna has an opportunity to change that, and the City is introducing some new activities to help increase awareness of voting participation and it’s importance. Every vote helps ensure election results better reflect the people, priorities and values that make Kelowna unique. When more residents participate, more voices are represented and our local democracy grows stronger. 

"When more residents participate, our election results better reflect the needs, priorities and hopes of the community," said Michael Jud, City of Kelowna Chief Election Officer. "Municipal elections shape the services, spaces and decisions that affect people every day, so every vote really does matter." 

Voting has never been easier 

The good news? Participating in this year's election is easier than ever. 

Residents are encouraged to register in advance or confirm their voter information through the provincial voter list by August 18. Registering ahead of time helps save time at voting stations and makes election day smoother for everyone. "Registering in advance is one of the simplest ways residents can make their voting experience quicker and easier," said Jud. "It helps reduce paperwork, keeps lines moving and supports a smoother process for voters and election staff." Residents can choose from multiple advance voting opportunities, vote on general voting day or request a mail ballot if they are unable to attend in person. The goal is simple: make voting accessible, convenient and easy so more residents can participate in shaping Kelowna's future. 

Visit kelowna.ca/election to register, confirm voter eligibility and view important election dates. 

And visit kelowna.ca/votinglocations to find a voting location that works for you. 

Elections can be fun, too 

While elections are serious business, they can also be a celebration of community. This year, residents are invited to take part in Kelowna's new "I Voted" Sticker Design Contest. Artists, students, doodlers and creatives of all ages are encouraged to submit an original sticker design for a chance to see their artwork handed out to voters across the city this October. 

Three winning designs will be selected, and each creator will receive a $250 cash prize, along with plenty of civic bragging rights. "It's a fun way to showcase local talent while encouraging participation in local democracy," says Jud. 

Residents can submit their designs until September 7 at kelowna.ca/election-sticker. 

What's your reason for voting? 

Everyone has a different reason for showing up at the ballot box. For some, it's community safety. For others, it's housing, transportation or protecting the parks and public spaces they love. Some vote because they want a stronger local economy or more opportunities for future generations. Others vote because they believe every voice deserves to be heard. 

This election, the City is inviting residents to share their reason for voting. 

Throughout the summer, residents can share their "why" at Park & Play events across Kelowna or join the conversation online at getinvolved.kelowna.ca/election. Because no matter what motivates you, your reason matters. 

The future is shaped by those who show up 

At its heart, voting is about looking forward. 

It's about choosing the future you want for your neighbourhood. It's about helping shape the community where your children will grow up, where businesses will invest and where families will build their lives. The decisions made over the next four years will influence the direction of our city for years to come. Whether you've lived in Kelowna your entire life or just recently made it home, you have a voice in that future. This October, take a few minutes to make a difference that will last for years. 

Because Kelowna's future belongs to all of us, and every vote helps shape what comes next.