The Conservative Party of BC leader, John Rustad, announced a groundbreaking finding in Surrey-Guildford, alleging election irregularities that altered a critical result in 2024.
Rustad and former candidate Honveer Singh Randhawa unveiled evidence they claim highlights systemic issues with mail-in voting and voter integrity.
The allegations focus on Argyll Lodge, a licensed addiction recovery facility in Surrey. According to Rustad, 21 mail-in ballots were cast by residents of the facility, which has a capacity of 25 beds.
Witnesses report that some residents denied requesting mail-in ballots or even being aware of the election. It is further alleged that staff at the facility coerced residents into marking ballots according to their preferences, violating their voting rights.
Additional irregularities include one voter casting two ballots under different names and 22 individuals voting in the riding despite not residing there. The Conservative candidate for Surrey-Guildford, Honveer Singh Randhawa, lost the election by just 22 votes after a judicial recount.
Rustad pointed to amendments made by Premier David Eby to the Elections Act in 2019 and 2021, which he argues enabled these issues. He criticized Eby for failing to address concerns about election integrity, despite proposing a committee to review electoral processes.
Rustad and Randhawa have demanded a judicial inquiry under the Public Inquiry Act to compel testimony and access records. Randhawa also announced plans to petition the Supreme Court of British Columbia to invalidate the Surrey-Guildford election results.
The Conservatives have pledged to introduce legislation in the upcoming legislative session to tighten election rules, including proof of citizenship requirements for voters.
“Our only priority is getting the truth and safeguarding our democracy,” Rustad said. Elections BC has yet to respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, Rustad urged individuals with knowledge of election irregularities to come forward under a proposed 90-day amnesty from prosecution.
This story underscores growing concerns over election security in British Columbia, as the province grapples with allegations that could shake public trust in its democratic institutions.
