Vancouver’s first day of advance voting draws a record 21,824 voters, up 196 per cent from 2022

A record 21,824 people voted on the first day of advance voting in Vancouver’s 2026 civic election, Saturday, Oct. 3, according to preliminary City of Vancouver figures. That is a 196 per cent increase over the first advance voting day in the 2022 civic election. The increase is likely due in part to the city’s expanded voting opportunities. Advance voting has been reduced from five days in 2022 to four this year, but the number of locations open each day has nearly tripled, from 22 to 59. Voters can cast a ballot at any location.

The city’s election budget has more than doubled, from $4.4 million for the 2022 election to $9.4 million for 2026, to support the expanded operations. The spending increase to improve voting operations follows long queues during the April 2025 by-election. First-day advance voting also follows record demand for mail ballots. On Oct. 1, the city reported receiving more than 18,000 requests for ballot packages, over 70 per cent more than the 10,523 requests for the entire 2022 civic election. The deadline to request a mail ballot is approaching.

Three advance voting days remain: Wednesday, Oct. 7; Saturday, Oct. 10; and Tuesday, Oct. 13. Eligible voters can vote at any of 59 advance voting locations, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. General voting day is Saturday, Oct. 17, when 85 locations will also be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters may cast their ballot at any site.

Vancouver voters will choose a mayor, city councillors, Vancouver Park Board commissioners and Vancouver School Board trustees, and decide on two separate plebiscites. Capital plan borrowing questions will ask about borrowing to fund new and upgraded facilities and infrastructure. A separate, non-binding public safety plebiscite will seek voters’ views on public hard-drug use and a proposed secure medical treatment facility for people with mental health and addiction issues.

A week later, on Saturday, Oct. 24, voters across British Columbia will return to the polls for the provincial general election. Advance voting for the provincial election begins the day before Vancouver’s civic election voting day.