Vancouver's 2026 election drew 209,214 ballots, the highest turnout in over a decade
Preliminary figures from the City show turnout topped 43 per cent, up from 36.3 per cent in 2022, with official results expected October 21.
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Preliminary figures from the City of Vancouver show 209,214 ballots were cast in Saturday's civic election, with turnout topping 43 per cent, Daily Hive reported on October 18. That is the highest turnout the city has recorded in more than a decade.
More voters, more places to vote
The 209,214 figure is up from 171,494 ballots in the 2022 civic election, when turnout stood at 36.3 per cent, according to Daily Hive's report of the City's preliminary numbers. The increase amounts to 37,720 additional ballots.
Nearly 104,000 of the 2026 ballots were cast during the four-day advance voting period, the City's figures show. The City ran 59 advance voting locations this year, compared with 22 in 2022.
Where 2026 stands in Vancouver history
Turnout had fallen in each of the two elections before this one. It was 43.4 per cent in 2014, then 39.4 per cent in 2018, then 36.3 per cent in 2022. The preliminary 2026 figure, at more than 43 per cent, puts this election at or near the 2014 level, according to Daily Hive.
The highest turnout on record for Vancouver is 50 per cent, set in 2002.
Preliminary, not final
The City describes the 209,214 total as preliminary. The official results, along with the final turnout percentage, are expected on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. That is the deadline under the Vancouver Charter for the chief election officer to declare the official count.
Voters who want to follow the final count can check the results at /results once the City publishes them.
Questions and answers
What was the total ballot count? Preliminary figures from the City show 209,214 ballots were cast across all four Vancouver races on election day and during advance voting.
How does that compare to 2022? In 2022, 171,494 ballots were cast at a turnout rate of 36.3 per cent. The 2026 preliminary total is 37,720 ballots higher.
Questions this story answers
How many people voted in Vancouver's 2026 civic election?
Preliminary figures released by the City of Vancouver show 209,214 ballots were cast on and before election day, October 17, 2026. The City describes these as preliminary; the official count is expected on Wednesday, October 21. The figures cover all four races: Mayor, City Council, Park Board, and School Board.
What was the voter turnout percentage in 2026?
The City's preliminary figures put turnout at more than 43 per cent of registered voters. The exact final percentage depends on the official count expected October 21. For context, turnout was 36.3 per cent in 2022, when 171,494 ballots were cast.
How does 2026 compare to previous Vancouver elections?
The 2026 preliminary turnout of more than 43 per cent is the highest in over a decade. The last time Vancouver reached that level was 2014, when 43.4 per cent of registered voters cast ballots. Turnout fell to 39.4 per cent in 2018 and 36.3 per cent in 2022 before rising again this year.
How many advance votes were cast?
According to Daily Hive, reporting the City's preliminary figures, nearly 104,000 of the 209,214 ballots were cast during the four-day advance voting period. The City ran 59 advance voting locations for the 2026 election, compared with 22 in 2022. The advance period took place in the two weeks before election day.
Why did turnout go up this year?
Daily Hive's report does not quote a City official on the reasons. The figures show that advance voting expanded greatly: 59 locations in 2026 compared with 22 in 2022. Whether that expansion caused the increase, or whether other factors played a role, is not stated in the preliminary release.
When will the official results be released?
The City of Vancouver says official election results will be released on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The figures available now are described as preliminary and may change. Section 108 of the Vancouver Charter requires the chief election officer to declare official results before 4 pm on the fourth day after voting, which falls on October 21.
What is the highest voter turnout Vancouver has ever recorded?
According to Daily Hive's historical summary, Vancouver's highest recorded turnout was 50 per cent in 2002. The 2026 election's preliminary figure of more than 43 per cent is the second highest on record in recent decades, after the 2002 result.
Where can I see the final election results?
The City of Vancouver will publish official results on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. You can also follow the results for all four Vancouver races, including Mayor, City Council, Park Board, and School Board, on the results page at /results.
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