Voter turnout rises in Langley Township

A total of 34,029 Langley Township residents cast ballots in the 2026 municipal election, a sharp increase from the 25,936 ballots cast in 2022. General Voting Day was Saturday, Oct. 17, following advance voting from Oct. 6 to 10. The municipal election chooses a mayor, council and school trustees.

Turnout was 31.55 per cent this year, compared with 27 per cent on the last election day. The number of registered voters rose by 11,935 over four years, from 95,934 in 2022 to 107,869 this year, as the Township’s population grew. Despite higher participation, voters had fewer candidates to choose from: four ran for mayor and 28 for council in 2022, compared with two mayoral candidates and 20 council candidates this year.

The 2022 election had no incumbent mayor in the race, after Jack Froese chose not to seek re-election following three terms. This year’s contest was defined by two major slates: incumbent Mayor Eric Woodward’s Progress For Langley and the new Langley Strong organization. Langley Strong mayoral candidate Jay Lundgren won, and six of the slate’s seven candidates were elected, including four incumbents. Two Progress For Langley candidates also held their seats.

The result means three new members will join the nine-member council: mayor-elect Lundgren and incoming councillors Lauren Chalus and Teresa Townsley. Municipal elections traditionally draw lower turnout than provincial or federal elections.

Among those voting Saturday was Otter resident Glenn, who did not give his last name. He stopped at Wix-Brown Elementary to vote and hoped other Langley residents would do the same. Glenn said people should turn out and do their duty by voting, adding that it gives them a say in what can happen in the province.