B.C. Conservatives pledge to separate provincial and municipal elections

B.C. Conservative Party Leader Lorne Doerkson has pledged to introduce legislation permanently separating provincial and municipal election schedules, preventing any provincial election from taking place within 60 days of local elections.

Announced on October 14, the proposed Respect Local Democracy Act aims to prevent overlapping election campaigns and give municipal and provincial candidates separate opportunities to connect with voters.

Doerkson criticized Premier David Eby for calling an $80-million snap provincial election for October 24, despite having a majority government and two years remaining before the fixed election date in October 2028. The provincial election comes just one week after municipal and school board elections on October 17, with advance voting periods overlapping.

Doerkson argued that the decision has overshadowed local campaigns, leaving municipal candidates, school trustees and provincial candidates competing for voters’ attention amid overlapping advertisements, phone calls and campaign activities.

“David Eby scheduled some advance voting days at the exact same time as municipal voting day. That was not an accident. It was a calculation, and an irresponsible and selfish one,” Doerkson said, criticizing the estimated cost of the snap election amid provincial deficits and emergency room closures.

Under the Conservatives’ proposal, provincial and municipal elections would be permanently separated by law, and no provincial election—whether scheduled or called early—could occur within 60 days of a municipal election. The legislation would apply to premiers of all political parties.

Doerkson said the measure would protect local democracy and give candidates a fair opportunity to discuss community issues with voters.

The party also warned that the scheduling conflict could arise again in 2030, when the fixed provincial and general local election dates are both set for October 19.

“Voters need space to hear from the people who want to represent them. Candidates need a fair chance to be heard,” Doerkson said.

He urged British Columbians to vote in the municipal election on October 17 and the provincial election on October 24, saying his commitment to electoral reform would remain the same regardless of the outcome.