Image: File photo CFJC Today (Kamloops) / According to a statement on its website, Elections BC initially believed that approximately 49,000 ballots would be counted as part of the final count. Since the screening process is nearing completion, it now estimates that approximately 65,000 ballots will be counted as part of final count.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Elections BC

Elections BC underestimated number of outstanding mail-in and absentee ballots

Oct 24, 2024 | 1:05 PM

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s provincial election outcome just took another peculiar turn.

Elections BC acknowledged Thursday (Oct. 24) that it has underestimated the number of remaining absentee and mail-in ballots needed as part of its final count.

According to a statement on its website, Elections BC initially believed that approximately 49,000 ballots would be enumerated as part of the final count. Since the screening process is nearing completion, it now estimates that approximately 65,000 ballots will be tabulated as part of final count.

As part of preparations for final count, election officials have been screening absentee and mail-in ballots received up until 8 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, October 19. Elections BC says these ballots must be screened to make sure the voter was eligible to vote and did not vote previously.

Elections BC says it will provide a breakdown of the number of ballots left to count by district by Friday, October 25.

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On Saturday, October 26, Elections BC plans to count mail-in ballots starting with the closest districts. Results will be updated on Elections BC’s website at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday.

On Sunday, October 27, mail-in ballot counts continue; results will be updated at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and when mail-in ballot counts are completed. Juan de Fuca-Malahat and Surrey City Centre riding recounts will begin at 1 p.m. Results will be updated on Elections BC’s website when Surrey City Centre recounts are complete.

On Monday, a final count of absentee ballots in all electoral districts will occur. Results will be updated on Elections BC’s website hourly starting at 9 a.m. Elections BC projects that results will be updated when Juan de Fuca-Malahat’s recount is completed.

According to preliminary results, only 23 votes separates the BC NDP and BC Conservatives in the Juan de Fuca-Malahat riding, while less than 100 votes separates the BC NDP and BC Conservatives in the Surrey City Centre riding.