Vancouver witnessed a surge in advance voting for the upcoming municipal election, with a new turnout record set on Wednesday. Approximately 25,142 individuals participated in advance voting, marking the highest single-day turnout ever recorded in the city. This figure surpassed the previous record of 21,824, which had been established just three days earlier during the commencement of advance voting on Saturday, October 3.
Comparing the advance voting turnout to the previous municipal election, the city reported significant increases. The first day of advance voting in 2026 saw a remarkable 196% rise in voter participation compared to 2022, while the second day, which occurred on Wednesday, experienced a 139% increase. In 2022, a total of 65,127 individuals opted for early voting, representing nearly 40% of the total voter turnout for the election.
Despite the high voter turnout on Wednesday, the city’s implementation of more and larger advance polling stations this year helped manage wait times effectively. Other neighboring municipalities like Surrey, Burnaby, and New Westminster also conducted advance voting on the same day but have not yet disclosed their turnout figures.
Vancouver residents can still partake in early voting on Saturday, October 10, and Tuesday, October 13. The general election day is set for Saturday, October 17, with polling stations operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
