Boundary Changes and New Ridings in B.C.’s 2024 Provincial Election

Voters in British Columbia are gearing up for the provincial election scheduled on October 19, 2024, with significant changes to the electoral map following the redistribution of seats last year. This process has led to an increase in the number of seats in the B.C. legislature from 87 to 93, with new ridings being established across the province.

This redistribution, conducted by the Electoral Boundaries Commission and formalized through an act passed in 2023, includes four new ridings in the Lower Mainland, one additional riding on Vancouver Island, and another in the Interior region. Moreover, adjustments have been applied to 72 existing ridings, while 41 have undergone name changes.

Global News, in an effort to support voters, has created profiles for all 93 ridings in the province. This resource allows voters to learn more about their local candidates and review historical voting patterns in their respective areas.

According to Elections B.C., eligible voters are those who are Canadian citizens, at least 18 years of age as of October 19, 2024, and residents of B.C. since April 18 of the same year. Most voters should have received a registration confirmation through mail. However, for those who have not registered yet, it is essential to do so before the deadline by visiting the Elections B.C. office, checking online, or calling the Elections B.C. helpline.

In-person and online voter registrations require identification, such as a B.C. driver’s licence, a B.C. ID card, or the last six digits of a social insurance number. Voter registration through these channels closed on October 7, 2024.

For those voting in person, advance voting opportunities are available from October 10 to 13 and on October 15 and 16. On election day itself, voters can choose the most convenient polling station in their riding. Alternatively, mail-in voting packages can be requested, with completed packages needing to arrive by 8 p.m. PT on October 19 to be counted.

As British Columbians prepare to head to the polls, CBC News and other media outlets, including Global News, are providing coverage on the lead-up to the election, highlighting key debates and the promises made by various party leaders and candidates.