Politics · Canada · 19 mins ago
British Columbians vote in municipal elections across the province
On Oct.
17, British Columbians voted in local elections for municipal councils, school boards and other regional positions.
The contests span 162 municipalities and 27 regional districts, with about 3,500 candidates, according to CBC and Global News.
Voters are also able to cast advance ballots in a separate provincial election, called early by NDP Leader David Eby.
The overlap has prompted complaints that it is confusing voters and taking staff from local campaigns.
Even so, several communities reported increased or record turnout during advance voting.
Local elections shape decisions about services and issues close to home, including infrastructure, wildfire response and relations with First Nations.
Polls close at 8 p.m.
local time, and results are expected after polls close.
British Columbians voted on Oct. 17 for local representatives in municipal and regional elections.
About 3,500 candidates competed for positions including municipal councils, school boards and regional district posts.
Polling places were open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
The local elections took place during advance voting in a provincial election, after Premier David Eby called a snap election two years early.
Local and opposition politicians criticized the timing, and the Union of B.C. Municipalities said the overlapping campaigns caused voter confusion and cost local campaigns staff.
- Who
- British Columbia voters chose among about 3,500 candidates for local elected positions.
- What
- General local elections were held for municipal and regional representatives, including councillors, school trustees and regional district directors.
- When
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026; polls were open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
- Where
- British Columbia, including 162 municipalities and 27 regional districts according to CBC.
- Why
- To elect representatives for local governments and other local institutions.
Local and opposition politicians
David Eby
Election timing
Local and opposition politicians
Local and opposition politicians criticized Eby’s decision to call a provincial election during the planned municipal election period.
David Eby
Eby called a provincial election two years early; the sources do not state his reasons for choosing that timing.
The Union of B.C. Municipalities passed a resolution urging Eby not to call a provincial election during the local campaign period.
Eby called a provincial election, according to the Globe and Mail.
British Columbians voted in municipal and regional elections, with polling places open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
Advance voting in the provincial general election was scheduled to continue until this date.
Final voting day in the provincial general election was scheduled for this date.
- Local election date
- Oct. 17, 2026
- Polling hours
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time
- Candidates
- About 3,500
- Municipalities
- CBC reported 162; The Tyee reported 161
- Regional districts
- 27
- Provincial election final voting day
- Oct. 24
9 sources
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