Edmonton

 

 

Key Facts

• The general municipal election for Edmonton is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.
• Voters will elect: the Mayor, 12 City Councillors, plus trustees for the public and separate (Catholic) school divisions.
• Advance voting: There are advance voting and special ballot options. For example, Edmonton’s site lists voting options for advance vote, special ballots and on-election day.

Notable Changes & Issues

• One important change: this election will be the first in recent years in which municipal political parties and slates are allowed (in a pilot) for Edmonton.
• The incumbent mayor, Amarjeet Sohi, has announced he will not seek re-election (creating an open mayoral race).
• The local media and civic-engagement groups emphasise that this election will be shaped by issues such as: growth & urban development, infrastructure, crime/safety, housing affordability and service delivery. For example, election-watchers in Edmonton urge voters to get familiar with lists of candidates, ward maps and what each candidate stands for.What to Watch

• With no incumbent mayor, the race is more fluid; it may attract more attention and coordination (including by slates/parties).
• How the introduction of municipal political slates plays out: how much impact they’ll have, whether voters view them as helpful or as party politics entering local government.
• Voter turnout: municipal elections often see lower turnout than provincial/federal; the presence of many candidates and a fresh mayoral race might stir greater interest.
• How quickly results will be known: For Edmonton, the information suggests that election night counts will proceed, but given the number of ballots (advance, special, etc) results may take time. (Though I haven’t found a specific delay-warning for Edmonton as I did for Calgary).
• The school boards (public & Catholic) are also part of the vote — important for local education policy and community engagement.

Summary

In sum: Edmonton’s 2025 election is a key moment — new mayor, possible shift in council dynamics (especially with slates allowed), and many issues at stake. For any voter in Edmonton: check your ward, review the candidate lists (the city website lists all nominated candidates)  find your polling station, and consider the issues that matter most to you.

Calgary

 

Key Facts

• The municipal election in Calgary is also set for October 20, 2025 (same day as Edmonton) for mayor, 14 councillors, and school trustees.
• There are 14 wards in Calgary; one councillor per ward.
• The official list of nominated candidates was released September 23, 2025.

Notable Changes & Issues

• Similar to Edmonton, Calgary will also allow municipal parties/slates in the 2025 election as a pilot under provincial legislation.
• A major operational note: election officials in Calgary have signalled that results for councillors and school board trustees may take longer than usual to be confirmed, because of changes in counting and the volume of ballots (advance ballots, special ballots, etc).
• Public polling (e.g., a Leger poll) shows significant undecided voter rates in Calgary (45 % undecided in one poll) heading into the mayoral race.
• Voter sentiment: A recent survey found that 57 % of Calgarians believe the city is headed in the “wrong direction” and only 33 % say “right direction,” which could influence the mood of the election.

What to Watch

• Because results may not be immediately final for all races, keep in mind that the mayoral result may come first, but councillor and trustee results might come later
• The impact of municipal parties/slates: how many candidates will run under party banners, how voters react to them, and whether that affects council dynamics. (For example: 38 % of council candidates were running with parties in one tracking list).
• Mayoral competition: The incumbent mayor (Jyoti Gondek) is running; there are multiple challengers; with many undecided voters the race may be less predictable.
• Voter turnout and engagement will matter, especially with major urban issues at stake (housing, transit, growth, downtown revitalization).
• The counting logistics: Because Calgary is using larger number of stations (261 on election night, per article) and many ballots are counted post-closing, there may be a slower time to finality.

Summary

For Calgary, the 2025 municipal election is also a big deal: multiple substantial contests, the presence of municipal political parties/slates, a large undecided voter base, and some structural/operational changes in how elections are counted. For Calgary voters: again check your ward, review the candidate list, understand how the process works (advance vote, special ballot, etc), and think about the local issues you care about.

Joint & Provincial Context

• These municipal elections in both Edmonton and Calgary are part of the larger 2025 Alberta municipal elections, held across the province on October 20, 2025.
• Under the amended provincial legislation (changes to the Local Authorities Election Act and the Municipal Government Act) the introduction of municipal parties/slates is a pilot.
• Important deadlines and rules: nomination closes Sept 22, 2025 in many jurisdictions; campaign disclosure and third-party advertising rules apply.