Councillors are elected to represent the community and, together with the Mayor, make decisions on the policies, priorities, budgets and services that shape the city. Each Councillor brings one vote to the Council table and a responsibility to consider the interests of the whole community, not simply one neighbourhood or one issue. Councillors also have an important oversight role: asking questions, examining the information and recommendations brought before Council, debating different perspectives, and helping ensure public resources are used responsibly. Council sets direction; professional City staff are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization and implementing Council's decisions.

The Mayor is also one member of Council, but the role carries an additional responsibility to provide leadership to Council and represent the city as a whole. A Mayor cannot govern alone. The Mayor must be able to work with the Councillors the community elects, bring different perspectives together, help Council establish shared priorities and keep the focus on governing in the best interests of Coquitlam. The Mayor is also Coquitlam's chief civic representative and advocate - building relationships with other governments, regional partners and community leaders, and making sure Coquitlam's interests are heard wherever decisions affecting our city are being made.

Coquitlam’s General Local Election is Saturday, October 17, 2026. Voters will elect one Mayor, eight City Councillors and four School District 43 Trustees. Coquitlam will also offer several advance voting opportunities beginning October 5.  2026 Coquitlam advance voting dates and locations. All are open 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.:  Monday, October 5 — Town Centre Park Community Centre  Wednesday, October 7 — Centennial Pavilion  Thursday, October 8 — Town Centre Park Community Centre  Saturday, October 10 — Three locations: Town Centre Park Community Centre, Centennial Pavilion, and Victoria Community Hall  Tuesday, October 13 — Centennial Pavilion  Thursday, October 15 — Centennial Pavilion  General Voting Day: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., at 23 voting locations throughout Coquitlam. Mail In Voting - Applications open September 14, and completed mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m. October 17

Yes. Coquitlam uses the Provincial Voters List. The deadline to register or update your information with Elections BC in advance was August 18, 2026. However, if you missed that deadline, Elections BC confirms that voters may still register with their local government, and Coquitlam provides for registration at the time of voting for eligible voters.

You can vote as a resident elector in Coquitlam if you are a Canadian citizen; will be at least 18 years old by General Voting Day; have lived in B.C. for at least six months immediately before registering; are a resident of Coquitlam when you register; and are not otherwise legally disqualified from voting. Eligible non-resident property electors may also vote, subject to additional requirements.

Potentially, yes. B.C.'s rules recognize that a person can temporarily live somewhere else for purposes such as education without necessarily losing their usual place of residence. Your eligibility will depend on where you maintain your usual residence and whether you meet the other local-election eligibility requirements.

You cannot vote if you do not meet the eligibility requirements for example, if you are not a Canadian citizen, do not meet the age or B.C. residency requirements, or are otherwise disqualified by law. The Province's 2026 Voter's Guide also identifies specific statutory disqualifications, including certain people convicted of an indictable offence who are in custody.