How to vote on October 17

North Vancouver is two separate municipalities with two separate ballots. Sorting out which one you're in is the first thing to do — everything else follows from it.

Which one am I in?

They are genuinely different local governments, each with its own mayor and council. You vote in exactly one of them — whichever you live in (or, if you own property here without living here, whichever the property is in).

• City of North Vancouver — the smaller, denser area around Lonsdale and the waterfront, roughly between the Capilano River and Lynn Creek south of about 29th Street.
• District of North Vancouver — the larger area wrapping around it: Lynn Valley, Deep Cove, Edgemont, Capilano Highlands, Seymour, Parkgate, Blueridge and the North Shore mountains.

If you are not sure, the reliable test is your property tax or utility bill — it names the municipality that issued it. You can also call the election office for either one; they will tell you in a minute. We deliberately do not guess from your address here, because being told the wrong ballot is worse than being told to check.

What to bring

Two pieces of ID, at least one showing your signature, together proving your name and residential address. A BC driver's licence, BC Services Card, passport, utility bill, property tax notice, credit or debit card, or student ID all count. If neither document shows your address, you can make a solemn declaration at the voting place. You do not need to register in advance — you can register when you vote.

What's on your ballot

• City of North Vancouver — Mayor — choose 1 of 4
• City of North Vancouver — Council — choose 6 of 18
• City of North Vancouver — School Trustee — choose 3 of 6
• District of North Vancouver — Mayor — choose 1 of 5
• District of North Vancouver — Council — choose 6 of 15
• District of North Vancouver — School Trustee — choose 4 of 11

School trustees for School District 44 are elected by voters in both municipalities, but on separate ballots with different candidates.