Elections

A total of 4,222 ballots were cast in Lake Country's 2026 General Local Election, representing an estimated voter turnout of 30 per cent among approximately 14,083 eligible voters.

Voter turnout increased from 16 per cent in 2022 to 30 per cent in 2026.

Lake Country uses a ward system to elect municipal council. This means residents elect representatives both at large and from their neighbourhood ward.

Eligible voters in Lake Country elect:

• One Mayor: Elected at large by eligible voters across the District.
• Two Councillors at Large: Elected by eligible voters across the District. These councillors represent the entire community.
• Four Ward Councillors: One councillor is elected from each of Lake Country's four neighbourhood wards: Carr's Landing, Okanagan Centre, Oyama and Winfield. Ward councillors represent the residents of their respective neighbourhoods.
• One School Trustee: Elected to represent Lake Country on the Board of Education for School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan).

What is the difference between at-large and ward councillors?

At-large councillors are elected by voters throughout the District and represent the community as a whole. Ward councillors are elected by voters within their respective wards and provide representation for those neighbourhoods on Council.

Eligible voters can cast their ballots during the general voting period and any applicable advance voting opportunities. 

To be eligible to run for local government office in British Columbia, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older on general voting day.
• Be a Canadian citizen.
• Have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before filing nomination documents.
• Not be disqualified from being nominated for, elected to or holding office under the Local Government Act or any other applicable legislation.