Island Riders Propel B.C. to Top Spot in Advance Polls: Second Highest in Canada!

Saanich-Gulf Islands has made headlines for its impressive voter turnout in the recent federal election. Nearly 38,000 advance votes were cast, the highest in British Columbia and second nationwide, according to early data from Elections Canada. This shows strong civic engagement in the area.

With around 113,541 residents, about 32% participated in early voting over the Easter weekend. This riding includes Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney, and various Gulf Islands like Salt Spring and Pender.

Elizabeth May, co-leader of the Green Party, has been the area’s representative since 2011. This year, she faces opposition from Liberal David Beckham, Conservative Cathie Ounsted, and NDP’s Colin Plant.

Nationwide, there was a notable rise in early voting. Approximately 7.3 million people voted early, a 25% jump from 2021, when 5.8 million took part. Other ridings in Vancouver Island also experienced high turnout, with Courtenay-Alberni recording over 32,000 advance votes and South Surrey-White Rock not far behind at 31,269.

British Columbia ranked third nationally for advance voter turnout, with over 1.1 million votes cast—almost 300,000 more than in 2021. The riding of Carleton, Ontario, home to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, had the highest number of advance votes, exceeding 43,000.

As we look ahead, general voting day is set for Monday, April 28, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This surge in early engagement reflects a growing trend in Canadian elections, where more people are eager to make their voices heard.

Experts suggest this could be related to the rising importance of issues like climate change and healthcare, especially among younger voters. Engaging with these topics on social media may also influence turnout, as discussions around them gain momentum.

For more insights on voting trends, you can visit Elections Canada for official statistics and updates.



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Advance polls|Federal Election 2025