British Columbia will hold a provincial election on October 24, 2026, after Premier David Eby called a snap election nearly two years ahead of the province’s previously scheduled vote.
The election was formally called on September 22, with Elections BC confirming that writs have been issued for all 93 electoral districts in the province. Voters will elect 93 members of the Legislative Assembly. Eby said the province is facing what he described as an important period of uncertainty, pointing particularly to the economic and trade relationship with the United States. In announcing the election, he highlighted the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies and tariffs on British Columbia businesses and workers.
Eby argued that British Columbia needs to strengthen its economic resilience, protect local industries and prepare for potential disruptions to trade with the United States. He has also emphasized the importance of investment in health care, infrastructure and other public services.
The election will take place just one week after B.C.’s municipal elections on October 17. The close timing has already generated criticism from some municipal leaders, who have raised concerns about the logistical challenges of organizing two provincewide voting events within such a short period. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim questioned the decision to call the provincial election before the municipal vote had taken place. He argued that holding the two elections so close together could create additional demands for voters, candidates, volunteers and election administrators.
The decision also means British Columbians will be asked to vote in two different elections during the same month, with municipal elections taking place October 17 and the provincial election following on October 24. For the provincial election, advance voting will take place from October 16 to October 21. Final voting day will be October 24, with polling places open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time.
The campaign officially began September 22. Candidate nominations close at 1 p.m. Pacific time on October 3. Elections BC says the final count is planned for November 6 to 10.
The election comes after a period of considerable political change in the province. The B.C. NDP currently holds a majority in the legislature, but the opposition has undergone significant changes since the 2024 election. The B.C. Conservatives have experienced leadership turmoil in recent weeks. Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned as party leader on September 20, and MLA Lorne Doerkson was subsequently appointed interim leader. The party has also been working to rebuild its caucus following a series of departures and expulsions.
The Conservatives’ legislative presence has changed substantially since the last election. According to reporting from The Canadian Press, the gap between the NDP and Conservative caucuses has widened from 47-44 after the 2024 election to 47-29 following changes in membership. Eight former Conservative legislators have also moved toward CentreBC.
The opposition is expected to focus heavily on government spending, health care, affordability, taxes, public services and the provincial deficit during the campaign. Trade relations with the United States and the future of major B.C. industries are also expected to be prominent issues.
Eby has recently announced several measures that are likely to feature in the campaign. His government has said it will pause an expansion of the provincial sales tax and has committed to building new BC Ferries vessels in the province. Ministers have also highlighted additional health-care investments. The premier has framed the election as an opportunity for British Columbians to determine the province’s direction during a period of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. His comments have focused on protecting workers and businesses, strengthening domestic industries and reducing vulnerabilities connected to international trade.
The opposition has questioned why an early election is necessary while the NDP already holds a majority. Interim Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson said the party is prepared for the campaign but questioned the cost of calling an election before the legislature’s scheduled mandate had ended. The B.C. Greens have also criticized the timing. Green Leader Emily Lowan said the election was not expected until 2028 and argued that voters are now being asked to participate in a provincial election immediately after the municipal vote.
There have also been changes within the governing NDP. Health Minister Ravi Kahlon announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election, becoming the third cabinet minister to announce that they will not run in the October 24 election. Former ministers Kelly Greene and Lana Popham had previously announced their decisions not to seek re-election.
The 2024 provincial election produced a narrow NDP majority. The party’s one-seat margin was confirmed after a recount in Surrey-Guildford, where Garry Begg won by 22 votes. Since then, changes among opposition MLAs have significantly altered the makeup of the legislature.
For voters, Elections BC says anyone wishing to vote must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old on October 24, and have been a resident of British Columbia since April 23, 2026.
Voters can also cast ballots by mail. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail package online or by phone is October 18, and completed packages must reach Elections BC by 8 p.m. Pacific time on October 24.
With the campaign now officially underway, political parties and candidates will spend the next month presenting their plans on the economy, health care, housing, affordability, infrastructure, public safety, taxation and B.C.’s response to changing Canada-U.S. trade relations.
The October 24 vote will determine the composition of British Columbia’s next legislature and which party forms the provincial government for the next term.