It’s officially Election Day in B.C.’s 2024 provincial election.
After a record-breaking turnout during advanced voting, BC Votes 2024 is likely going to be 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 671,231 in the 2020 snap election. The total number of vote-by-mail ballots has not been released by Elections BC. 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. 26-28.
Haven’t voted? There’s still time. Here’s what you need to know:
Polling locations:
Voting places will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. This year, Victoria-Beacon Hill voters can cast their ballot at any voting location:
- Ambrosia Banquet and Events-638 Fisgard St.
-Central Middle School 1280 Fort St.
- Christ Church Cathedral School 912 Vancouver St.
- George Jay Elem School 1118 Princess Ave.
- James Bay Comm School 140 Oswego St.
- James Bay New Horizons 234 Menzies St.
- Sir James Douglas Elem School 401 Moss St.
- Hill Victor School 2260 Victor St.
Candidates running in the riding:
- Sonia Furstenau - BC Green Party
- Grace Lore - BC NDP
- Tim Thielmann - Conservative Party
Voter registration:
While eligible voters don’t have to register ahead of time to take part in the election, Elections BC 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 here: https://elections.bc.ca/2024-provincial-election/voter-id/.
