British Columbians will be heading to the polls this October.
On Monday morning, premier John Horgan called for a snap election after his request for the Legislature be dissolved was granted by BC's Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin.
“I have just met with the Lieutenant Governor and she has agreed with my request to hold an election on October 24,” Horgan said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything — the people of British Columbia deserve a say in the direction of our recovery and the future of our province.”
According to Elections BC, the general voting day will be Saturday, Oct. 24.
Advanced voting would be held from Oct 16 to Oct. 21.
Horgan also addressed how this election will have additional public health measures in response to COVID-19.
“Like a lot of things these days, this election is going to look different than previous ones. I know we can do it safely,” Horgan said.
“There will be new opportunities for people to vote in advance or by a mail-in-ballot from the comfort of their homes.”
Both Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson and new Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau have criticized Horgan in recent weeks over the potential of a snap election.
A recent poll from the Angus Reid Institute suggests if an election were held right now, the NDP would win a massive victory.
The survey suggests 48% of decided voters would choose the NDP, 29% would vote Liberal, and 14% would opt for the Greens.
So far, seven members of Horgan's cabinet have announced they will not be running in the next election including Carole James, BC's finance minister.
