1956 British Columbia general election

The 1956 British Columbia general election was the 25th general election in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It was held to elect members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The election was called on August 13, 1956, and held on September 19, 1956. The new legislature met for the first time on February 7, 1957.
The conservative Social Credit of Premier W.A.C. Bennett was re-elected with a majority in the legislature to a third term in government with over 45% of the popular vote.
The social democratic CCF formed the official opposition.
The British Columbia Liberal Party lost two of its four seats despite winning over 20% of the popular vote.
The Progressive Conservative Party lost its single seat in the legislature, and would not win a seat again until the 1972 election.
One seat was won by a Labour candidate, Tom Uphill of Fernie.

Changes to election laws

In 1953, as part of a revision to the Provincial Elections Act, the voting age was reduced from 21 to 19. As well, the instant runoff voting system that was in effect for the 1952 and 1953 elections was abolished, and the previous system—mixture of block voting in multi-member districts and single-winner first past the post—was revived.
In 1955, a further Act was passed that increased the Legislative from 48 members to 52 through the following changes:

Single-member districts

Multi-member districts

Bold indicates incumbent in last Legislature.