Calgary Election Workers Await Pay: Bill 20's Ripple Effect on Remuneration
Where Are the Paycheques for 2025 Election Workers?
Following Calgary's municipal election on October 20, 2025, a common question has emerged among the thousands of Calgarians who served as election workers: "Where's my paycheque?" While Elections Calgary confirmed payments began processing around November 4th, many are still awaiting remuneration, sparking discussion about payment timelines for these vital civic roles.
Understanding Elections Calgary's Payment Process
Elections Calgary, the official entity responsible for organizing and conducting municipal elections, recruits and hires individuals for all election worker positions, confirming they are paid roles. While a community observation suggested all paycheques are mailed within Calgary, Elections Calgary does provide direct deposit as a payment option, as indicated by banking information requests during the 2025 application process. Generally, payments for election work, even with a November 4th start date, can take several weeks to fully distribute. For context, Elections Canada typically advises election officers to expect payment within eight weeks post-election, placing the current timeframe within a broader, albeit extended, window.
Bill 20: A Major Factor in Delays
A significant contributing factor to potential payment delays stems directly from the provincial Bill 20, enacted in 2024. This legislation banned the use of electronic vote tabulators in Alberta's municipal elections, mandating manual ballot counting to "increase transparency." Elections Calgary had previously stated that this shift would make the election "more expensive, and results will take longer." Indeed, the extensive manual counting, which continued for days after election night, creates a ripple effect that extends administrative tasks, including payroll processing.
Impact on Calgarians and Next Steps
The economic impact of these delays can be significant for the roughly 4,500 Calgarians hired. Election workers often include students, retirees, or those seeking supplemental income, for whom timely payment can be crucial. While compensation rates for municipal election work have seen increases, delays can still disrupt personal finances. Those who opted for direct deposit might see their funds sooner, but anyone expecting a mailed cheque may experience further postal delays. Elections Calgary advises workers to allow ample time for processing and delivery given the new operational complexities, and encourages those with ongoing concerns to contact them directly.
