B.C. Conservatives pull ahead of NDP as snap election tightens into a statistical dead heat
A new poll shows the Conservatives leading by 2 points among decided voters, a dramatic reversal from a month ago when they trailed by 10.
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The B.C. Conservatives have pulled into a lead over the NDP in the middle of the snap election campaign, reversing a dramatic collapse just a month ago. An Ipsos poll shows the Conservatives at 44 per cent and the NDP at 42 per cent among decided voters — a 2-point lead after trailing by 10 points in October polling.
The Conservative surge reflects newfound strength in Metro Vancouver, Southern B.C., and the Fraser Valley. Yet older voters remain an NDP stronghold: voters 55 and over still prefer the NDP at 52 per cent. NDP Leader David Eby's approval rating stands at 49 per cent compared to Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson's 45 per cent.
Doerkson is now regarded as premier-in-waiting by 42 per cent of likely voters — a steep rise from June, when his predecessor Kerry-Lynne Findlay held the position and only 30 per cent of voters saw her in that role. Sixty-four per cent of voters said they were happy Findlay was no longer leading the party.
The race remains fluid: 19 per cent of decided voters say they could change their mind before election day, and 29 per cent of Green Party supporters could switch. The campaign has also created confusion — 46 per cent of likely voters say they're mixed up by having both municipal and provincial elections in the same month. Sixty per cent of voters said they are unhappy about the provincial election happening now.
When is the provincial election date?
How have the NDP and Conservatives responded to their relative positions in this new poll?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How much has the B.C. Conservative lead changed since October?
The B.C. Conservatives now lead the NDP by 2 points among decided voters, compared to trailing by 10 points in October polling — a 12-point swing in their favour.
Which regions show the strongest Conservative support?
The B.C. Conservatives have found newfound strength in Metro Vancouver, Southern B.C., and the Fraser Valley.
What percentage of voters could still change their vote before election day?
Nineteen per cent of decided voters say they could change their mind before election day, and 29 per cent of Green Party supporters say they could switch.
How many voters are confused by holding both municipal and provincial elections at the same time?
Forty-six per cent of likely voters say they are mixed up by having both municipal and provincial elections in the same month.
