Advance voting opens in Vancouver amid record mail-in surge
Posted October 4, 2026 12:03 pm.
Municipalities across the province have just two weeks left until election night – and Saturday morning, advance voting opened here in Vancouver, with the city already seeing record breaking results. Here’s a look at what advance voters are keeping top of mind when filling out their ballots.
“We were actually just going to go for a walk and then we realized this was happening,” said Ainsley.
Advance voting opened at 59 locations across the city, nearly triple from the last election. With the city pushing to increase voter turnout – mail in ballots remains an option until the Oct. 5th deadline. City officials say mail-in ballot requests have surpassed 18,000, more than a 70 per cent jump from the entire 2022 election.
Voters will make their choice for mayor, 10 city councillors, as well as several park board commissioners and school trustees.
“There’s so many parties here, and the differences can be a little bit subtle, and it was a bit hard to come to a decision with such a long ballot,” says Ivan.
Voters can also expect to see three yes or no questions related to city spending on things like transportation, community services, and parks and infrastructure.
“For me some of the most important things are affordability, trying to make sure that Vancouver is a place where anyone can live in,” says Jessica.
“The issues to me are affordable housing, health care and safety on the streets,” says Jared.
After Vancouver’s ABC majority orchestrated a $500K plebiscite on public safety, Vancouverites will be asked whether the city should adjust their laws on open drug use, and if the city should lobby the provincial government for more voluntary and involuntary treatment beds.
“You’re trying to further prohibit drug use when it’s already prohibited? It feels a little bit like bait,” said Ivan.
“I’m in favour of restricting illegal drug use in public places, but on the other side of that coin is how you help these people, so the second question is just as important,” shared Jared.
“If it’s an important issue, maybe they could’ve implemented them in a regular council term instead of making it a plebiscite question.”
There are three more days of advance voting on Oct. 7th, 10th and 13th with the final day of voting set for Saturday, Oct. 17.
