Calgary Election Day: Essential Information You Need to Know
Calgarians are heading to the polls today to elect their new mayor, councillors, and school trustees. Here’s everything you need to know about the Calgary Election Day.
Voting Information
Polls in Calgary are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must cast their ballots at designated polling stations, which can be located using the city’s online portal. Calgary has a total of 261 polling stations available for voters.
Anyone in line by 8 p.m. will still be allowed to vote. To participate, individuals must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen.
- Reside in Calgary.
Voters must present at least one form of identification, such as a driver’s licence or any document proving their address, like a utility bill or bank statement. Additionally, employees are entitled to three consecutive non-work hours to vote, provided their employers offer paid time off for this purpose.
Candidate Lineup
There are nine candidates vying for the position of mayor, including:
- Jeff Davison
- Sarah Elder
- Jeromy Farkas
- Jyoti Gondek
- Jaeger Gustafson
- Larry R. Heather
- Grant Prior
- Sonya Sharp (Communities First)
- Brian Thiessen (The Calgary Party)
Voters can find specific candidates for their wards using an interactive map provided by the city.
Political Parties and Campaigns
This year’s election has introduced political parties into Calgary’s municipal landscape. Three main parties are participating:
- A Better Calgary Party
- Communities First
- The Calgary Party
Some candidates are running as independents, showcasing a diverse political environment.
Election Results Timeline
Calgarians can expect preliminary results on election night. However, the counting process will be done by hand this year due to the province’s ban on electronic tabulators. Votes for mayor, councillor, and trustee will be counted separately to expedite the process.
Votes cast at polling stations will be counted immediately after polls close. Meanwhile, advance and mail-in ballots will be counted at the Big Four Roadhouse, starting Monday night. Counting will pause at 1 a.m. for health and safety reasons and will resume the following day.
Ward results are anticipated around 3 p.m. Tuesday, with trustee results expected by 8 p.m. The new counting method and legislative requirements are estimated to cost the city an additional $1.3 million.
Voter Engagement and Issues
Recent polls indicate that many Calgarians remain undecided about their choices. About 90,000 residents voted in early polls, marking a significant decrease of one-third from the last municipal election in 2021. Factors such as local news and other pressing issues may be influencing voter engagement.
Key concerns for voters this election season include:
- Infrastructure maintenance (roads and sewers)
- Public safety, including transit safety
- Concerns about crime rates
- Financial management of municipal spending
Experts emphasize the importance of civic participation, as municipal government impacts residents’ daily lives more directly than other levels of government.
Watching the Results Live
To follow the results of the Calgary election, tune into El-Balad’s coverage online at 8 p.m. Help will be provided with live updates and expert analysis. Be sure to stay informed as the new leadership is decided.
