BC Election Day 2026: Know Your Candidates, Do Your Research and Make Your Vote Count

October 24, 2026 | British Columbia

Today is Election Day in British Columbia. Voters across the province have an opportunity to help shape the future of our communities by choosing who will represent them in the BC Legislature.

From housing affordability and the cost of living to health care, education, public safety, transportation and the economy, provincial decisions affect our everyday lives. For those of us living in the Tri-Cities, these issues are particularly relevant as our communities continue to grow and residents navigate the challenges of affordability, housing supply and local infrastructure.

But before casting a ballot, I believe there is something important to remember: your vote should reflect your own research, priorities and beliefs — not someone else's political agenda.

Why this election matters

Provincial elections are an opportunity to evaluate the direction of our province and decide which candidates best represent our interests.

Regardless of which issues matter most to you, take the time to look beyond headlines, campaign slogans and social media posts. Consider what each candidate is proposing, what their party has committed to, and how those plans could affect you, your family and your community.

Some of the key issues worth examining include:

• Housing and affordability: Housing supply, rental costs, homeownership, development and the policies affecting buyers and homeowners.

• Health care: Access to family doctors, hospital capacity, health care staffing and timely medical services.

• Cost of living and the economy: Taxes, employment, business conditions and the cost of everyday essentials.

• Education: Classroom resources, school capacity and planning for growing communities.

• Public safety: Community safety, policing and access to mental health and social services.

• Transportation and infrastructure: Transit services, road congestion and the infrastructure needed to support population growth.

Every voter will weigh these issues differently. The important thing is to understand the choices available and decide which candidate's priorities most closely align with your own.

Who is running in the Tri-Cities?

For local residents, knowing who is on the ballot in your electoral district is an important starting point. Here is a look at the candidates identified for the four Tri-Cities ridings.

Port Coquitlam

• Mike Farnworth — BC NDP

• Keenan Adams — BC Conservatives

• Stephanie Hendy — BC Greens

• Lee-Ann Bates — Unaffiliated

• Lewis C. Dahlby — Libertarian

Port Moody–Burquitlam

• Rick Glumac — BC NDP

• John McEwen — BC Conservatives

• Wei Chou — BC Greens

• Freddy Rawji — CentreBC

Coquitlam–Burke Mountain

• Jodie Wickens — BC NDP

• Ryan Peterson — BC Conservatives

• Valerie Morrison — BC Greens

• Kaden Mann — CentreBC

Coquitlam–Maillardville

• Jennifer Blatherwick — BC NDP

• Matt Liang — BC Conservatives

• Nicola Spurling — BC Greens

These names and affiliations should be checked against the official Elections BC candidate list before publication, particularly if you are using this article as a voting reference.

Find the official list here: Elections BC — 2026 Provincial Election Candidates.

Look beyond the headlines and social media

I believe people should be able to make their own informed political decisions without being influenced by someone else's personal agenda.

It is easy to take statements out of context, selectively present information or frame facts in a way that supports a particular position. A social media post may highlight one part of a candidate's record while leaving out information that could change how a reader interprets it.

That is why I encourage everyone to do their own independent research.

Read the full policy announcements. Visit candidates' official websites. Compare their platforms and examine their records where applicable. Look at credible reporting from different sources, and consider whether the information being shared gives you the full picture.

You do not have to agree with every position a candidate takes. What matters is understanding their priorities, considering the available evidence and deciding for yourself who you believe will best represent your interests.

Don't let a post on social media make your voting decision for you.

How to vote in the 2026 BC provincial election

Final Voting Day is Saturday, October 24, 2026. Elections BC provides official information about voting locations, eligibility and election procedures.

Visit Elections BC to confirm your voting location and review the information you need before heading to the polls.

Your community. Your province. Your voice.

Elections are about more than political parties. They are about the people who live in our communities and the future we want to build.

Whether your priorities are housing, health care, affordability, education, public safety or something else entirely, take the time to understand your options and make a decision you feel confident in.

Vote for the candidate you believe will best represent your values, your priorities and your vision for the future.

Your vote should reflect what you believe in — not what someone else wants you to believe.

🗳️ Make your voice heard. Vote informed.

Tara Kennedy | REALTOR®
Royal LePage West Real Estate Services
Serving Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities

This article is intended as a non-partisan community information resource. It does not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate.

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