‘We don’t repeat, but we rhyme’: Parallels between US, BC elections

The recent B.C. provincial election saw a shift in voting trends similar to those that led to a second Donald Trump presidency, with growing divides between rural and urban areas and white collar and blue collar workers driving polarization. Urban areas like Vancouver and Victoria, economically doing well, overwhelmingly voted for the NDP, while regions like Surrey and outside the Lower Mainland, where working-class families are struggling, leaned towards the Conservatives. This shift reflects a change from when the NDP was seen as the party of labour. Experts believe that the parties have not yet adjusted to this new dynamic, with voters feeling that things are getting worse in terms of rising costs and access to services. Overall, the results of both elections show a balance between pocketbook issues and culture wars, with attempts to paint opponents as conspiracy theorists failing to resonate with voters. The key takeaway is that where someone lives is becoming increasingly important in determining how they vote, leading to fewer closely contested seats in both B.C. and the U.S.

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