The 2024 British Columbia election has drawn significant attention as preliminary voter turnout reached 57.4%, indicating a modest increase from the 2020 election turnout of 53.86%. With a total of 2,037,742 valid votes cast from a pool of 3,550,017 registered voters, the results signal a competitive and evolving political landscape in the province.
Current Initial Count Results Overview
BC NDP with 46 seats a total of 908,736 votes (44.60% of the vote), a loss of 9 seats which is a notable decline from the previous election. In the tight race Conservative Party are currently following with 45 seats and a total of 887,817 votes (43.57% of the vote). The BC Green Party maintained its presence in the legislature with 2 seats, a total of 166,848 vote (8.19% of the vote).
Historical Context of Voter Turnout
Voter engagement has fluctuated in British Columbia over the years. The 2024 turnout of 57.4% is a positive shift compared to the previous election, but still falls short of the higher participation rates seen in the past. For instance, the 2017 election saw a peak turnout of 61.18%. Historical trends reveal a decline in voter turnout over the past two decades, with the 2001 election witnessing an impressive 70.95%. The overall trend suggests that while voter participation was slightly better than the last election it still remains a concern.
| Election Year | Registered Voters | Voter Turnout | Votes Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3,550,017 | 57.4% | 2,037,742 |
| 2020 | 3,524,812 | 53.86% | 1,898,553 |
| 2017 | 3,246,647 | 61.18% | 1,986,374 |
| 2013 | 3,176,455 | 57.10% | 1,813,912 |
| 2009 | 2,995,465 | 55.14% | 1,651,567 |
| 2005 | 2,845,284 | 62.36% | 1,774,269 |
| 2001 | 2,254,920 | 70.95% | 1,599,765 |
| 1996 | 2,227,424 | 71.50% | 1,592,655 |
The close competition between the BC NDP and the Conservative Party reflects a shifting electorate in British Columbia. The BC NDP will need to assess its strategies moving forward after losing seats. This shift could encourage a re-evaluation of policies and priorities to regain the trust of voters.
During BC NDP leader David Eby’s speech he admitted John Rustad and his Conservative Party of BC have been right on a number of issues. The preliminary election results show the Conservative Party of BC isn’t a fringe minority like Eby had labelled them previously.
The Conservative Party of BC has not formed government in BC for about a centery and last held MLA seats in the 1980’s.
The Conservative Party’s strong showing suggests a consolidation of support for their platform, indicating that voters may be seeking alternatives to the status quo offered by the BC NDP “progressive” policies. Meanwhile, the Green Party’s modest gains signal a persistent limited, demand for environmental policies within the province’s political discourse.
Pollsters Angus Reid Institute and IPSOS were close with the public opinion surveys about British Columbians sentiments with the incumbent BC NDP. Both surveys show voters want a change in provincial government.
The 2024 British Columbia election highlights a dynamic political environment, with increased voter turnout and a competitive race between major parties. The final results will be released between October 26 to 28.
