Polls are open for British Columbia’s 43rd provincial general election, marking the conclusion of a four-week campaign period in which a record number of advance ballots were cast.

More than a million British Columbians – about 28 per cent of registered voters – have already voted in the election.

Barring an extremely close result, BC residents should know by the end of the day whether the BC NDP secured another four-year term or whether the BC Conservatives British have completed their astonishing rise from political obscurity to form the province’s first Conservative government in nearly a century. .

Those who have yet to vote can expect to be greeted by wind and rain on polling day in many parts of the province.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued wind and rain warnings for most of Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the south and central coasts on Friday, as an atmospheric river headed ashore.

The BC River Forecast Center also issued flood warnings for the island and most of the coast in response to the storm. A flood watch means “river levels are rising and will approach or could exceed the maximum level. Flooding in areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur,” according to the center.

Polls close at 8 p.m. across the province, and Elections BC anticipates the use of electronic tabulators this year will result in faster reporting of results.

CTV News Vancouver will broadcast a live, commercial-free election special starting at 6 p.m. on television and here on CTVNewsVancouver.ca.