Calgary's Call for Change: Could a Petition Bring Back Vote Tabulators?

Calgarians experienced a bumpy ride to the ballot box on October 20, 2025, as delays and extended lines marred the municipal election that saw a new mayor and council elected. Now, a citizen petition is brewing to bring back electronic vote tabulators, which many believe could restore efficiency to local elections.

Voters reported waiting up to 90 minutes, and in some cases, even three hours, at polling stations across the city. The widespread slowdowns were a direct result of new provincial legislation, Bill 20 in 2024 and Bill 54 in 2025, which banned electronic tabulators and mandated hand-counting of ballots. This shift also led to significant cost increases, with Calgary’s election budget ballooning by $3.3 million for the manual process. The manual count meant official results for the 2025 election weren't fully known until October 24, 2025. This situation also contributed to a dip in voter turnout, falling to 39% from 46% in 2021.

The proposed petition aims to leverage Alberta's Citizen Initiative Act, which allows electors to propose legislative or policy changes. However, the provincial government has explicitly banned tabulators for both municipal and provincial elections, citing election integrity. Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, stated the province made its decision for "certainty and confidence" but is open to discussions if municipalities prioritize the issue. This stance comes despite former Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver acknowledging no evidence of issues with tabulators, asserting it's about "confidence of people," not evidence.

Given Calgary's vibrant history of civic engagement, this push for a legislative vote could gain significant traction. The question remains if enough Calgarians, frustrated by the recent election experience, will rally to change the city's voting future.