It’s officially election day in B.C.’s 2024 provincial election.
After a record-breaking turnout during advanced voting, the election will be another one for the history books. This also marks the first provincial election with new riding boundaries, which increased the number of seats in the legislature to 93 from 87.
Roughly 1,001,331 people cast their ballot during the six days of advanced voting that ended Wednesday, compared to 681,000 in the 2020 snap election.
The total number of vote-by-mail ballots has not been released by Elections B.C. In 2020, 478,900 returned vote-by-mail packages by deadline, roughly 66 per cent of packages requested.
This election, B.C. has also moved to electronic voting tabulation, in efforts to streamline voting and results. However, in close races, ballots will be recounted by hand. Final counting of votes is set for Oct. 26 to Oct. 28.
Haven’t voted? There’s still time. Here’s what you need to know:
The four candidates in Ladysmith-Oceanside are Brett Fee (Conservative Party of B.C.), Laura Ferreira (B.C. Green Party), Stephanie Higginson (B.C. NDP) and Adam Walker (Independent). Candidates are listed alphabetically.
In Mid Island-Pacific Rim, the three candidates are Adam Hayduk (Conservative Party of B.C.), Josie Osborne (B.C. NDP) and Ross Reid (B.C. Green Party).
Where to vote in Ladysmith-Oceanside (polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.):
Christian Fellowship Centre (825 Village Way) in Qualicum Beach;
Craig St Commons Gym (330 Craig St.) in Parksville;
Frank Jameson Community Centre (810 6th Ave.) in Ladysmith;
Jensen Centre (132 Jensen Ave. E) in Parksville;
Kwalikum Secondary School (266 Village Way) in Qualicum Beach;
Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church (550 Pym St. N) in Parksville;
Nanoose Place (2925 Northwest Bay Rd.) in Nanoose Bay;
Lasqueti Community Hall (206 Main Rd.) on Lasqueti Island;
North Oyster Community Centre (13467 Cedar Rd.) in Ladysmith;
Saltair Community Centre (3850 South Oyster School Rd.) in Ladysmith;
Stz'uminus Health Centre (3945 Shell Beach Rd.) in Ladysmith;
Where to vote in Mid Island-Pacific Rim (polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.):
Bradley Centre (975 Shearme Rd.) in Coombs;
Lighthouse Community Centre (240 Lions Way) in Bowser;
Ahousaht Emergency Response Building (254 Main St.) in Ahousat;
Alberni Athletic Hall (3727 Roger St.) in Port Alberni;
Bamfield Fire Hall (368 Pachena Rd.);
Beaver Creek Fire Hall (6038A Beaver Creek Rd.) in Port Alberni;
Cherry Creek Hall (3720 Moore Rd.) in Port Alberni;
Cumberland Cultural Centre (2674 Dunsmuir Ave.);
Denman Island Seniors Hall (1111 Northwest Rd.);
Ditidaht Community Hall (658 Malachan Rd.) in Nitinaht;
Echo '67 Community Centre (4255 Wallace St.) in Port Alberni;
Hornby Island Community Hall (4305 Central Rd.);
Hot Springs Cove Band Building (1 Hot Springs Cove Rd.) in Ahousat;
Port Alberni Friendship Centre (A-3555 4th Ave.);
Royston Community Hall (3902 Island Hwy S);
Sproat Lake Fire Hall (7667 Pacific Rim Hwy);
Tofino Community Hall (351 Arnet Rd.);
Ucluelet Community Hall (500 Matterson Dr.);
Voter registration
While eligible voters don’t have to register ahead of time to take part in the election, Elections B.C. recommends British Columbians sign up ahead of time in order to avoid lengthy lineups.
Voters can register or update their information online at elections.bc.ca/ovr or by calling 1-800-661-8683.
To be eligible, British Columbians must be able to show identification. some eligible identification includes:
- A B.C. driver’s licence
- A B.C. Identification Card
- A B.C. Services Card, with photo
- A Certificate of Indian Status
- Another card issued by the B.C. government, or Canada, that shows your name, photo and address
- For all accepted identification to vote visit https://elections.bc.ca/2024-provincial-election/voter-id/
