Fixing Our Broken Local Elections
We’re building a movement to force the B.C. provincial government to replace unfair at-large municipal elections. This is a two-step fight, and we can't win without YOU.
Part One: The Legal Challenge
Taking the Fight to Court
At-large elections are not just unfair—they are unconstitutional. Our expert legal team is petitioning the courts to force the B.C. government to abolish at-large elections for violating Section 2(b) and Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Our Legal Argument:
- Section 2(b) – Freedom of Expression: At-large elections make it nearly impossible for independent candidates to effectively campaign. Expensive, city-wide campaigns prevent them from reaching voters and sharing their message, violating their right to political expression.
- Section 15 – Equality Rights: At-large elections dilute the voting power of racialized and marginalized communities. With fewer resources and less representation, these groups are unfairly excluded from council. We argue this reinforces systemic discrimination, denying fair representation.
If we win, the courts will strike down the at-large system and force the B.C. government to implement a fairer electoral system.
Part Two: A People-Powered Push for Better Local Elections
We need to pressure the B.C. government to act even as our case winds its way through the courts. That’s why we need you to sign and submit an official petition to your local Member of the Legislative Assembly and tell them to immediately abolish at-large elections.
We’ve made it easy for you—just click here to sign the petition online, and then send a quick message to your MLA letting them know you want them to present the petition in the legislature on your behalf. We’ll monitor these petitions and send you videos of your MLA reading petitions about changing the local election system in your city in the B.C. Legislature.
Our Goal
We want a system to elect local councillors where...
All neighbourhoods count.
Diverse voices have a seat at the table.
Elections are not rigged for big-money parties.
With you backing this fight, we’ll build a stronger, fairer system.
