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The list of candidates vying for a seat in Victoria has been confirmed, with 13 names on ballots across four mid-Island ridings. (Image Credit: Dreamstime)
locked in

Provincial election candidates confirmed for Nanaimo & Oceanside ridings

Oct 5, 2026 | 10:02 AM

NANAIMO — The field of candidates is locked in for the 2026 Provincial Election.

Thirteen candidates across four mid-Island ridings will look for a seat in the Legislature in Victoria when voters go to the polls on Oct. 24.

In Nanaimo-Gabriola Island, incumbent NDP candidate Sheila Malcolmson will be challenged by Mark MacDonald of the BC Conservatives and Anna Mary McKenzie from the BC Green Party.

Nanaimo-Lantzville will see three new challengers look to unseat first-term MLA George Anderson, with BC Conservative Kelsey Pringle, BC Green Party Sharleen Weatherley, and Pepper Saltman of the Communist Party of BC.

Voters in Ladysmith-Oceanside will see three names on their ballot.

Incumbent BC NDP Stephanie Higginson is seeking a second term in Victoria, running against Kris McNichol of the BC Conservatives and Charlene Smylie from the BC Green Party.

Finally, in Mid Island-Pacific Rim, incumbent Josie Osborne will be challenged by BC Conservative Joshua Dahling and Gracie MacDonald from the BC Green Party.

Advance voting runs daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Oct. 16 to 21, with general voting day on Oct. 24.

Voters must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age or older on Oct. 24, and have been a B.C. resident since April 23, 2026.

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