DREAM Delta 2026 Election Blackout
Today
marks an important transition for DREAM Delta as we enter the final four weeks
leading to Delta's October 17, 2026 municipal election.
We
want to explain why.
DREAM
Delta is an independent community advocacy organization. We do not support,
oppose or endorse any candidate, political slate or elector organization.
Throughout this election cycle, our objective has been to raise issues
important to Delta residents, encourage transparency and accountability,
provide opportunities for candidates to speak for themselves, and most
importantly, encourage residents to participate in our local democracy.
Tomorrow,
September 19, marks the beginning of the official campaign period under
Elections BC rules. During this period, the rules governing third-party
election advertising become broader, including provisions relating to
advertising about issues associated with candidates or elector organizations.
While
DREAM Delta could legally continue certain activities during this period, out
of an abundance of caution, we have chosen not to push the boundaries of those
rules.
We
would rather voluntarily stop our formal advocacy than risk running afoul of
election laws or create even the perception that DREAM Delta is attempting to
influence voters in favour of, or against, any particular candidate or slate
during the final weeks of the campaign.
Accordingly,
11:59 p.m. tonight will be DREAM Delta's self-imposed hard stop for formal
2026 election-related advocacy.
During
the blackout period, DREAM Delta will refrain from new advocacy concerning
election issues, commentary about candidates or slates, candidate comparisons,
or other communications that could reasonably be interpreted as attempting to
influence how someone votes. Please note, during this time, our blog
will remain in place including links to our Voter Resource Centre, all
Mayoral and Council candidate profiles, our 2026 Election Dashboard, and the
recently added "Understanding How to Vote" piece. Likewise, our
Facebook profile will remain and while we will refrain from posting, we
will respond to communication as deemed necessary.
But DREAM Delta is not going silent about the importance of voting.
Quite
the opposite.
As
we step back, our message to every Delta resident is very simple:
GET INFORMED. GET INVOLVED. AND VOTE.
In
Delta's 2022 municipal election, voter turnout did not even reach 30%. That
means the Mayor and Council making decisions affecting more than 100,000 Delta
residents were ultimately selected by a relatively small percentage of eligible
voters.
We can do better in 2026.
Over
the next four weeks, take the time to learn about the people asking for your
vote. Read their platforms. Review their backgrounds and experience. Look at
their records where applicable. Read the answers candidates themselves have
provided through DREAM Delta's voter education initiatives and through other
reputable sources.
Ask
questions.
Talk
to your neighbours.
Talk
to your friends and family.
And
perhaps most importantly, encourage the people you know who normally don't vote
in municipal elections to participate this time.
You
don't need to tell them who to vote for.
Tell
them why they need to vote.
DREAM
Delta has always believed that better local government begins with an informed
and engaged community. Our goal has never been to tell Delta residents what to
think or how to vote. Our goal has been to encourage residents to think,
question, participate and make their own informed decisions.
For
months, we have worked to raise issues, ask questions and provide information.
Now the rest belongs to you.
Learn
about the candidates. Understand the issues. Encourage your friends and
neighbours. Make your own decision.
And
on or before October 17 ... VOTE.
Because
Delta's future should be decided by far more than 30% of us.
DREAM Delta
Locals for Responsible Development, Ethical Governance & Affordability
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