Saanich-Gulf Islands riding has recorded the highest advance voter turnout in British Columbia and the second highest across Canada for the recent federal election, according to Elections Canada preliminary data.
37,468 voters cast their ballots during the advance polling period on Easter long weekend, signalling strong civic engagement in the riding. With a population of approximately 113,541 (2021 Census), about 32 per cent of residents have already voted.
The riding encompasses the municipalities of Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney, as well as a significant number of Gulf Islands, including Salt Spring, Pender and Mayne.
The riding has been represented by Green Party co-eader Elizabeth May since 2011.
May is being challenged by Liberal candidate David Beckham, Conservative candidate Cathie Ounsted and NDP candidate Colin Plant in this election.
This year saw a significant surge in early voting, with an estimated 7.3 million electors voting at advance polls nationwide 鈥� a 25 per cent increase compared to the 5.8 million votes cast at advance polls in the 2021 election.
Other Vancouver Island ridings also saw high turnout, with Courtenay-Alberni recording the second highest in the province at 32,536.
South Surrey-White Rock rounded out the top three in B.C. with 31,269 advance votes.
Overall, B.C. ranked third in Canada for advance voter turnout, with 1,104,151 votes cast, nearly 300,000 more than in 2021.
Nationally, Carleton, Ontario, the riding of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, saw the highest number of advance voters, with over 43,000 ballots cast.
General voting day is scheduled for Monday, April 28, with polls open in B.C. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
