B.C. heads back to the polls as Eby calls snap provincial election

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 23, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC News

CANADA – British Columbians are heading back to the polls earlier than expected after Premier David Eby called a snap provincial election, setting up another major vote just one week after the province’s municipal elections.

Eby announced the election on September 22, with final voting day set for October 24, 2026. The provincial vote comes less than two years after the last election, which was held in October 2024.

Eby said the election is needed as British Columbia faces what he described as an “existential moment,” pointing to economic uncertainty and the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade conflict. His decision comes as the province prepares for major economic and policy decisions.

The snap election also comes amid significant changes within the provincial opposition. The B.C. Conservative Party has undergone leadership and caucus changes, including the resignation of leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay days before the election call. Several MLAs who had left or been removed from the Conservative caucus have since returned, while a new political group, CentreBC, has also emerged.

The timing means British Columbians will face two elections in consecutive weeks. Municipal elections across the province are scheduled for October 17, followed by the provincial election on October 24. Elections BC has confirmed that the two are separate electoral events, with different voting rules and administration.

The provincial campaign officially began on September 22, while candidate nominations will close on October 3. Advance voting is scheduled from October 16 to 21, with preliminary provincial results expected after polls close on October 24.

The early election has already drawn criticism from opposition politicians and some municipal leaders concerned about the overlap with local campaigns. B.C. Green Leader Emily Lowan, for example, said the early vote was not wanted, while Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim questioned the decision to hold the provincial campaign so close to municipal elections.

With the campaign now underway, voters will choose 93 members of the B.C. legislature across the province’s electoral districts, with the next provincial government to be determined on October 24.