British Columbians will head to the polls next month after Premier David Eby called a snap provincial election for Saturday, October 24 - roughly two years earlier than the province’s next scheduled vote.

The legislature has been dissolved, officially launching the provincial campaign following weeks of speculation about an early election.

Eby says British Columbians should have an opportunity to decide who is best suited to lead the province through a period of economic uncertainty, including the continuing trade conflict with the United States.

The NDP won a narrow majority in the 2024 provincial election, and the next vote had not been scheduled until 2028.

The early election call also comes amid leadership changes and several caucus departures within the B.C. Conservative Party.

The timing means many British Columbians will be asked to cast ballots in two separate elections only seven days apart.

Local government elections will be held Saturday, October 17, when voters across the region will choose mayors, councillors, electoral-area directors, school trustees and other local representatives.

Provincial election day will follow exactly one week later.

Some local government leaders had urged Eby to avoid overlapping the two campaigns, warning that a provincial election could draw attention away from important municipal and regional issues while creating confusion and voter fatigue.

With the legislature dissolved, political parties and candidates now have approximately one month to campaign before voters make their decision on October 24.