21,824 people voted on Vancouver advance voting's first day, a 196% jump over 2022
The City of Vancouver's preliminary statistics show 21,824 people voted on October 3, the first advance voting day, a 196 per cent increase over the first advance voting day in the 2022 civic election.
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Vancouver's first advance voting day drew 21,824 people on Saturday, October 3, according to preliminary statistics released by the City of Vancouver, Daily Hive Vancouver reported on October 5. The City says that figure is a 196 per cent increase over the first advance voting day in the 2022 civic election.
The article says the increase is likely connected to a significant expansion of voting locations. The number of advance voting sites grew from 22 in the 2022 election to 59 in 2026, nearly triple. Voters can cast their ballot at any location, regardless of their home address.
To support the expanded operations, the City's elections budget grew from $4.4 million for the 2022 civic election to $9.4 million for 2026, according to the article. The City also wanted to avoid the long queues that formed at the April 2025 by-election.
Record mail ballot demand
The high first-day count follows record demand for mail ballots. As of October 1, the City had received more than 18,000 requests for ballot packages, according to Daily Hive Vancouver. That exceeds the total of 10,523 packages sent out during the entire 2022 civic election by more than 70 per cent.
Mail ballot request deadlines were described as fast approaching at the time of publication. Voters who have already received a mail ballot package should return it by the deadlines listed on their package. Information on mail voting is available at /where-to-vote.
Three advance voting days remain
Three advance voting days remain before the election:
- Wednesday, October 7
- Saturday, October 10
- Tuesday, October 13
All 59 locations are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on each advance voting day. Election day is Saturday, October 17, when 85 voting locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
On October 17, voters will choose a mayor, city councillors, Vancouver Park Board commissioners, and Vancouver School Board trustees. They will also vote on a capital plan that includes borrowing questions for community centres and infrastructure, and a separate non-binding plebiscite on public safety. You can see the full list of candidates and where to vote at /where-to-vote.
Questions this story answers
How many people voted on the first advance voting day in Vancouver in 2026?
According to the City of Vancouver's preliminary statistics, 21,824 people voted on October 3, 2026, the first day of advance voting in the civic election. Daily Hive Vancouver reported that figure on October 5. The City describes these as preliminary statistics, meaning the final count may differ.
How does the first-day 2026 turnout compare with 2022?
Daily Hive Vancouver reported the figure represents a 196 per cent increase compared with the first advance voting day in the 2022 civic election. The number of advance voting locations has grown from 22 in 2022 to 59 in 2026, which the article says is likely part of the reason for the increase.
How many advance voting locations are open in Vancouver in 2026?
There are 59 advance voting locations open across Vancouver for each of the four advance voting days. Daily Hive Vancouver notes that this is nearly triple the 22 locations available during the 2022 election. Voters can cast their ballot at any location, regardless of where they live.
When are the remaining advance voting days in Vancouver's 2026 election?
Three advance voting days remain after October 3: Wednesday October 7, Saturday October 10, and Tuesday October 13. All 59 locations are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on each day. Election day is Saturday October 17, when 85 locations will be open.
What is Vancouver's elections budget for the 2026 civic election?
According to Daily Hive Vancouver, the City's elections budget has grown from $4.4 million for the 2022 civic election to $9.4 million for the 2026 civic election. The article says the expanded budget was partly a response to long queues that formed during the April 2025 by-election.
How many mail ballot requests has Vancouver received for the 2026 election?
According to Daily Hive Vancouver, the City had received more than 18,000 mail ballot requests as of October 1, 2026. That exceeds the total of 10,523 packages sent out for the entire 2022 civic election by more than 70 per cent. The deadline to request a mail ballot was approaching at the time of publication.
What will voters be deciding on October 17 in Vancouver?
Voters will choose a mayor, city councillors, Vancouver Park Board commissioners, and Vancouver School Board trustees. They will also vote on two plebiscites: one on a capital plan that includes borrowing for community centres and infrastructure, and a separate non-binding plebiscite on public safety and a proposed secure medical treatment facility. You can see the full candidate list at /candidates.
Where can I find more information about voting in the Vancouver 2026 election?
The City of Vancouver operates the election and publishes voting place addresses and hours at vancouver.ca. You can also read the guide on this site at /where-to-vote for a summary of advance voting days, locations, and what to bring when you vote.
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