Vancouver's 2026 election budget reaches $9.4 million as advance voting hits record
The City of Vancouver spent more than double the 2022 election budget this year, with the expansion of advance voting to 60 locations and two plebiscite questions among the main cost drivers.
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Vancouver's 2026 municipal election is on track to cost $9.4 million, the Vancouver Sun reported on October 15, more than double the $4.41 million the city spent in 2022.
A city staff report attributed the increase to several factors: expanding advance voting from 22 locations over five days to 60 locations over four days, higher staffing levels at polling stations, new security personnel, and additional equipment. The two non-binding plebiscite questions the ABC-majority council added to the ballot are expected to account for $400,000 to $550,000 of that total.
The expanded advance voting operation drew record turnout. More than 103,810 people cast advance ballots before the October 17 general voting day, a 60 per cent increase from the 65,127 who voted early in 2022, the Vancouver Sun reported. The four advance voting days produced steadily higher numbers: 21,824 on October 3, 25,142 on October 7, 27,748 on October 10, and 29,096 on October 13.
Mail-in ballot requests also more than doubled. Vancouver received more than 21,000 requests for mail-in ballots this year compared with 10,523 in 2022. Mail-in ballots must arrive at a city drop-off location by 8 p.m. today to be counted.
The higher costs reflect an election running during a period of strong public interest. Vancouver's 2022 eligible voter turnout was 36.3 per cent. Whether the record advance numbers translate into higher overall turnout will become clear after polls close today at 8 p.m.
Polls are open today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 85 locations across Vancouver, five more than in 2022. Any eligible voter can vote at any location. If you have a mail-in ballot, the City of Vancouver says it must be received by 8 p.m. today. The City recommends using a designated drop-off location rather than Canada Post to make sure it arrives in time.
To find your nearest polling station, visit /where-to-vote.
Questions this story answers
What is the total cost of Vancouver's 2026 election?
The City of Vancouver's estimated budget for the 2026 municipal election is $9.4 million, according to the Vancouver Sun. That is more than double the $4.41 million the city spent on the 2022 election. A city staff report identified the expansion of advance voting as a main cost driver, alongside higher staffing levels at polling locations, new security personnel, and additional equipment at voting stations.
How much did the two plebiscite questions add to the election cost?
The two non-binding plebiscite questions, added to the ballot by the ABC-majority city council, are expected to add an additional $400,000 to $550,000 to the election budget, according to a city staff report cited by the Vancouver Sun. The questions ask voters for opinions on involuntary care and the 50-metre pool at the new aquatic centre.
How many people voted in advance in Vancouver in 2026?
More than 103,810 people cast advance ballots in Vancouver ahead of the October 17 general voting day, according to the Vancouver Sun. That is a 60 per cent increase from the 65,127 advance votes recorded in 2022. The city expanded advance voting from 22 locations over five days in 2022 to 60 locations over four days this year.
What were the daily advance voting totals in Vancouver?
Vancouver saw steadily increasing advance voting numbers over the four-day period, according to the Vancouver Sun. On October 3 (the first day of advance voting), 21,824 ballots were cast. That rose to 25,142 on October 7, then 27,748 on October 10, and reached 29,096 on October 13, which was the highest single day of the advance period.
How many mail-in ballot requests did Vancouver receive?
Vancouver received more than 21,000 requests for mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 election, according to the Vancouver Sun. That compares with 10,523 mail-in ballot requests in 2022. Voters who received a mail-in ballot must have it received at a voting location or drop-off point by 8 p.m. on October 17. Dropping it in a Canada Post box may not get it there in time.
Where can I vote in Vancouver on election day?
Polls are open at 85 voting locations across Vancouver on October 17, up from 80 locations in 2022. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can find your nearest voting place on the City of Vancouver's website or through the /where-to-vote page on this site. You can vote at any location in the city, not just the one closest to your address.
What is the mail-in ballot deadline?
Mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on October 17, 2026, according to the Vancouver Sun. The City of Vancouver advised voters to use designated drop-off locations rather than Canada Post to make sure their ballots arrive in time. Drop-off locations are listed on the City's website. A ballot still in the mail at 8 p.m. will not be counted.
What was Vancouver's voter turnout in the 2022 election?
Vancouver's eligible voter turnout was 36.3 per cent in the 2022 municipal election, according to the Vancouver Sun. Whether the record advance voting numbers in 2026 translate into higher overall turnout will become clear after polls close at 8 p.m. on October 17. Final results are expected on election night.
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