Surrey advance polling dates released early

City planning for the 2026 Surrey civic election began two years ago in order to prepare for a growing voter base.

A new report outline an array of numbers related to the election, including that as of last December there are 352,148 registered voters in the City of Surrey, as provided by Elections BC, representing an increase of 7,880 (3.7%) eligible voters since July 2022.

In 2022, voter turnout was 34.6%, with 118,908 voters casting ballots. Based on growth and historical trends, turnout for 2026 is projected to remain consistent at approximately 35%, with operational capacity in place to accommodate significantly higher volumes, if required, said the city report.

The budget for the election is $3,448,004.

The city has a cross-departmental election project team to coordinate all aspects of election planning and delivery. The 2022 election included an increase in vote tabulators and laptops, expanded advance and mail-in voting opportunities, and updated communications and outreach tools.

Voter feedback from 2022, according to the city, was overwhelmingly positive (96% positive or very positive for advance voting and 97% for general voting day) but also identified opportunities to further reduce wait times.

In response, the 2026 Election will include:

Increase advance voting opportunities;

Increase voting capacity in new growth and high-density areas; and

Improved real-time wait-time tracking.

Advance voting opportunities were well received in 2022, with turnout increasing by more than 60% compared to 2018.

The 2026 advance voting schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, Oct. 7
• Saturday, Oct. 10
• Wednesday, Oct. 14
• Thursday, Oct. 15

The city is implementing a range of measures to support inclusive participation and reduce barriers for voters, including:

• Vote by Mail: Eligible voters may request a mail ballot up to the deadline prior to voting day, as determined by the Chief Election Officer. This option is promoted through the City’s website and outreach efforts, particularly for residents in care facilities and those who may face challenges attending a voting location in person.
• Care Facility Outreach: Targeted outreach will be conducted with care facilities, including posters and information on voting dates and options. Residents will be encouraged to use mail ballot voting where appropriate, and information on how to request a mail ballot will be provided.
• Curbside Voting: Curbside voting is available for voters with mobility limitations. This service will be advertised on the City’s website, and signage will be posted at all voting locations to inform voters of this option.
• Language Supports: Voters may receive assistance during the voting process, subject to completion of a voter declaration. This declaration will be translated into 10 languages in accordance with the City’s multilingual policy to support voters whose first language is not English.
• Support Persons and Service Animals: Voters are permitted to attend with a support person, subject to completion of a voter declaration, and service animals are welcome at all voting locations.
• Physical Accessibility: All voting locations have been assessed for physical accessibility, including wheelchair access.