More than 11,000 Kelowna voters cast ballots as final advance voting day approaches
City of Kelowna election workers pictured in a 2026 recruitment announcement ahead of the October municipal election.
Photo credit: City of Kelowna
KELOWNA — More than 11,000 ballots have been cast in Kelowna's 2026 municipal election, with one advance voting day remaining before residents head to the polls on Saturday, October 17.
The City of Kelowna reports that 11,374 ballots had been cast as of October 14. During the first two advance voting days, 2,811 ballots were cast on October 7 and another 4,167 on October 10, for an earlier total of 6,978.
Friday, October 16, is the final opportunity to vote in advance. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way, and MNP Place, 4105 Gordon Drive.
General voting day is Saturday, October 17, when 13 voting locations across Kelowna will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“We’re encouraged by the turnout so far,” said Michael Jud, the City's chief election officer, in an October 14 news release. “Local government has a direct impact on our everyday lives, and it’s important that everyone who is eligible takes the time to vote.”
The City reported that fewer than one-third of eligible voters participated in the 2022 municipal election. This year's election will determine who serves as mayor, the eight members of city council and four school trustees for the next four years.
To vote, residents must be Canadian citizens, be at least 18 years old on the day they vote, have lived in British Columbia for at least six months and meet the residency requirements for voting in Kelowna. Eligible non-resident property electors may also vote under separate rules.
Voters are required to bring identification. The City recommends bringing two pieces of ID, including at least one showing a signature and one showing a current address. Eligible residents who are not already registered can register when they arrive at a voting location.
All voting locations are accessible, according to the City. A voter assist terminal is available at Parkinson Recreation Centre for residents who require additional assistance to vote independently and privately.
The complete list of October 17 voting locations, candidate information and identification requirements is available through the City's official election website at kelowna.ca/election.
Nine new outdoor pickleball courts opened at Glenmore Recreation Park on Oct. 8, expanding public recreation facilities in north Kelowna as construction continues on other parts of the park.