Heavy advance turnout in Ladysmith-Oceanside as B.C. voters head to the polls
Advance voting in the Ladysmith-Oceanside riding has outpaced every other constituency in British Columbia, with 14,512 ballots recorded through the first five days of advance polls, Elections BC data shows. That figure represents about 28.4% of eligible electors in the riding as of 20 October 2026 at 20:00.
The strong early turnout comes as British Columbians prepare to elect 93 Members of the Legislative Assembly in the snap provincial election called by Premier David Eby in September. The vote was scheduled for one week after municipal elections, compressing campaign timetables and concentrating voter attention across different levels of government.
Ladysmith-Oceanside, a geographically extensive riding that includes the Town of Ladysmith on Vancouver Island and neighbouring coastal communities, is contesting a three-way race. The incumbent for the B.C. NDP is Stephanie Higginson, challenged by Conservative candidate Kris McNichol and Green Party candidate Charlene Smylie.
- 14,512 ballots cast in Ladysmith-Oceanside — about 28.4% of eligible electors (five days of advance voting).
- 11,925 ballots cast in Nanaimo-Lantzville — about 25.8% of eligible electors.
- Province-wide, voters will select 93 MLAs; 47 seats are required for a majority.
Nearby Nanaimo-Lantzville also recorded strong advance turnout, with 11,925 ballots cast, or roughly 25.8% of eligible voters through five days of advance voting. The comparative figures underline a robust early engagement on Vancouver Island as residents took advantage of advance polls.
| Riding | Advance ballots (five days) | Approx. % of eligible electors |
|---|---|---|
| Ladysmith-Oceanside | 14,512 | 28.4% |
| Nanaimo-Lantzville | 11,925 | 25.8% |
The advance voting numbers may offer early signals of voter enthusiasm or campaign effectiveness, but they do not determine final outcomes. Advance ballots form only part of total turnout; election day and mail-in ballots will be necessary to produce final results across the province.
The timing of this election — a snap vote called in September and held a week after municipal polls — condensed the campaign period and may have influenced choices by voters who prefer to cast ballots early. Elections BC reported the advance figures as part of routine updates during the five days of advance polling.
For residents and observers interested in trends, the Island ridings’ high advance participation contrasts with other areas reporting lower early turnout, demonstrating local variation in voter engagement. The Ladysmith-Oceanside figure is notable for being the highest recorded by Elections BC at the time of the latest update.
The three declared candidates in Ladysmith-Oceanside reflect a multi-party contest common across the province. With 93 seats in the legislature at stake, and 47 required for a majority, individual riding battles such as Ladysmith-Oceanside contribute to the wider calculation of power in the 44th Parliament.
As advance polling concluded, Elections BC continued to prepare for the final day of voting and the counting process. Voters who had not yet cast ballots were reminded that advance voting is only one opportunity to participate; election day provides the final chance for in-person voting at polling stations across the province.
The advance-vote lead places Ladysmith-Oceanside under close watch in the coming days as the full picture of voter turnout and the distribution of support among the NDP, Conservatives and Greens becomes clearer.
