In the lead-up to the 2026 Kamloops municipal election, five individuals who are not on the ballot are working to shape the outcome. These non-candidates—often referred to as third-party advertisers or influencers—are using various methods to sway public opinion, from social media campaigns to door-to-door canvassing.
While their specific identities and affiliations have not been independently verified, the phenomenon reflects a growing trend in local elections across British Columbia, where outside groups and individuals seek to impact races without formally running for office. Such activities are regulated under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, which requires third-party advertisers to register with Elections BC and disclose their spending.
Elections BC spokesperson Andrew Watson noted that third-party advertising in local elections has increased in recent years, though exact figures for Kamloops in 2026 are not yet available. "We encourage voters to be aware of who is communicating with them and to verify information through official sources," Watson said.
Political analysts suggest that these non-candidates can influence outcomes by amplifying certain issues or attacking specific candidates, often without the same scrutiny applied to official campaigns. However, the extent of their impact in Kamloops remains uncertain without further data.
As the election approaches, voters are advised to check the credibility of all campaign messages and to consult official candidate profiles and debates before casting their ballots.
