B.C. voters can cast ballots in the provincial election until 8 p.m., and those still in line at their polling place can continue to vote.
The Story
British Columbians are voting in the province’s 2026 election day, the final day residents can vote for the next provincial government.
Polls are open until 8 p.m., but voters who are in line at their polling station after 8 p.m. are able to continue voting and cast a ballot.
The snap election was called by BC NDP leader David Eby on Sept. 22, taking place one week after the 2026 municipal elections. In announcing the election, Eby said, “For British Columbians and for Canadians, this is an existential moment. The prime minister has called this a rupture, and he is absolutely right. Donald Trump is attacking our workers. He’s targeting our businesses and he is threatening our sovereignty.” After the announcement, Eby shifted his messaging toward more traditional issues, including housing and affordability.
Polling in the final days suggested continued momentum for the BC Conservatives. An Ipsos poll released on Oct. 13 showed the Conservatives gained a five-point lead over the BC NDP after appearing to be in disarray a month earlier, and a new poll from Innovative Research Group showed the Conservatives leading by five points among decided voters as the campaign entered its final week. On Friday, the last poll before election day maintained a five-point lead for the BC Conservatives.
The BC Conservatives appeared to be in disarray after Eby called the snap election. On Sept. 20, BC Conservative MLA Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned as leader after 13 MLAs either left or were ousted by party leadership. Lorne Doerkson took over leadership, with most of the departed MLAs rejoining.
BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan criticized the timing soon after municipal election results were released, saying: “David Eby called this snap election two years early for nobody but himself.” In the final week before election day, Vancouver mayor-elect Pete Fry endorsed Lowan.
← More stories