Calgarians Face Voting Snags Due to New Registration Process

Calgarians are feeling the strain at the polls during the 2025 municipal election, with some voters reporting wait times stretching an hour or more. This slowdown is a direct result of the Alberta government's Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, which introduced significant changes to the voting process.

Under the new legislation, municipalities must now maintain a permanent electors register and, critically, electronic vote tabulators are banned, mandating hand-counting of all ballots. While these changes aim to bolster trust in election integrity, Elections Calgary officials have confirmed they will lead to a slower process.

The immediate impact for Calgary is evident: while mayoral results are still anticipated on election night, final counts for councillor and school board trustee races might not be available until the following day. This shift raises concerns about voter participation, which sat at 46.38 percent in the 2021 municipal election. Research suggests that longer wait times can decrease the likelihood of voters participating in future elections.

This year's advance voting saw a drop in turnout compared to 2021, with approximately 96,500 Calgarians casting early ballots, down from 141,329 in the last civic election. Political observers note that Calgarians are already navigating a complex political landscape, with issues like affordability, public safety, and zoning dominating discussions. Many are calling for solutions to ensure efficient and accessible voting days moving forward.