British Columbians will vote on Saturday, October 24, 2026, after Premier David Eby called an early provincial election and asked the lieutenant-governor to dissolve the legislature.
The decision brings the campaign forward from the next scheduled provincial election, which was set for October 21, 2028. Elections BC had identified October 24 as the possible voting day if an early election were called on September 22. (Elections BC)
The BC election campaign begins as the province’s political opposition attempts to regroup. The B.C. Conservatives have been dealing with caucus departures, leadership turmoil and the resignation of Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who stepped down on September 20.
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Bc Election: Why the election is happening now
Eby’s government has been operating with a narrow legislative advantage, while several opposition MLAs have changed caucus affiliations or launched a new political organization. The instability has created uncertainty over the composition of the legislature and the ability of opposition parties to present a unified alternative.
The B.C. Conservatives appointed Lorne Doerkson as interim leader after Findlay’s resignation. The party has also begun bringing several former caucus members back, including John Rustad, Trevor Halford, Linda Hepner, Scott McInnis and Claire Rattée. (Global News reported)
Peter Milobar, a former Conservative MLA, has separately become leader of CentreBC. The emergence of another centre-right party could add another layer of competition in ridings where the Conservatives, NDP and Greens are already competing for support.
What voters will decide
The election will determine the membership of British Columbia’s 93-seat Legislative Assembly. The 2024 provincial election increased the legislature from 87 to 93 seats, and the new electoral boundaries will apply when the early election is held. (electoral history information)
Eby and the B.C. NDP will seek another mandate after forming government in 2024. The campaign is expected to focus on household costs, housing, health care, public safety, the provincial deficit, infrastructure and the relationship between the province and the federal government.
The opposition parties will argue that the government should be replaced and will attempt to turn dissatisfaction over affordability, service pressures and government spending into support at the ballot box. Their challenge will be to organize quickly while managing competition among multiple parties on the political right and centre.
Election timing overlaps with local voting
The provincial campaign will take place close to British Columbia’s general local elections, which are scheduled for October 17, 2026. That means voters will be asked to participate in municipal, school-board and other local contests one week before the provincial vote.
The timing has raised concerns among local-government representatives about overlapping campaign periods, voter confusion and the demands placed on election workers. The local elections remain separate from the provincial election and are administered by local governments, while Elections BC oversees provincial voting and local campaign-financing rules.
Residents of Abbotsford-Mission will also vote in a provincial by-election on September 26, before the province-wide election. Elections BC says eligible voters in that district can vote on election day, during advance voting, at the district electoral office or by mail.
Opposition upheaval shapes the campaign
The B.C. Conservatives entered the election period after a turbulent month. Findlay won the party’s leadership in May, but internal disagreements intensified after several MLAs were removed or left the caucus. Her resignation came only days before the expected election call.
The party’s leadership change has altered the early campaign dynamic. Doerkson has said the Conservatives intend to field candidates across the province, while former members have discussed rebuilding a united campaign against the NDP. Whether that effort succeeds will be one of the first tests of the campaign.
A September Ipsos survey found the B.C. NDP leading the Conservatives among decided voters, while also showing substantial numbers of undecided voters and support for smaller parties. Poll results are snapshots rather than forecasts, and campaign events, candidate nominations and local contests can change the race quickly.
What happens next
Political parties will finalize candidates, organize campaign teams and release or promote their platforms during the writ period. Elections BC will publish official information about candidate nominations, voting places, advance voting and vote-by-mail procedures as the election progresses.
Voters should check their registration and confirm acceptable identification before voting. Elections BC says people can register or update their information when they vote, although doing so in advance can make the process faster.
The central contest will be between Eby’s NDP government and an opposition field seeking to recover from weeks of disruption. The October 24 vote will determine whether British Columbia returns the NDP to government, elects a different governing party or produces another closely divided legislature.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 B.C. election?
The provincial election will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Why was the B.C. election called early?
Premier David Eby called an early vote amid political instability in the legislature and major upheaval among opposition parties.
Who is leading the B.C. Conservatives?
Lorne Doerkson is serving as interim leader after Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned on September 20, 2026.
Is the B.C. election the same as the local election?
No. B.C.’s general local elections are scheduled for October 17, 2026, one week before the provincial vote.
When is the Abbotsford-Mission by-election?
The Abbotsford-Mission provincial by-election is scheduled for September 26, 2026.
Fact-Checked: Key election dates, the provincial election framework, the Abbotsford-Mission by-election and recent party developments were checked against Elections BC, party information and current polling data.
Disclaimer: Election dates, candidate lists and voting instructions may change as Elections BC publishes official campaign-period updates.