Edmonton 2021 Municipal Election Resources
Hello everyone! If you’re reading this blog, I am over the moon because you’re already taking the effort to think about the Edmonton city election on October 18, 2021. I am very passionate about local politics, mainly because the decisions made by City Council and City Administration impact us the most out of all levels of government, and that councillors are not part of political parties and can speak for themselves as best they can.
Disclaimer
I want to be very clear about the purpose of this resource blog. I am NOT using this blog to endorse any particular candidates. My opinions on candidates and policies will NOT show up in this blog, because I want you to make your own decision on who you want to vote for. This specific post is a list of resources to help you find your ward, your candidates, and a few tips on how to make your decision.
Are we ready? then let’s go!
General information
Edmontonians will be voting for 12 city councillors and one new mayor (Don Iveson is not seeking re-election), new public and catholic school board trustees, and keep in mind that you will have to choose either public or catholic school board to vote for (it’s not a perfect system, but I won’t get into it today).
There will also be two referendum questions for you to vote on:
Do you want Alberta to adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time, which is summer hours, eliminating the need to change our clocks twice a year?
Should section 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982 – Parliament and the government of Canada’s commitment to the principle of making equalization payments – be removed from the constitution?
When to Vote
The official election day is October 18, 2021, but advance voting is from October 4-13, 1-7pm. Use the provided links to find where you can vote, advanced or day of, and what identification to bring!
Advance Voting Station Finder
Election Day Voting Station Finder
Your Ward
Our increased population over the years meant that the city wards needed to be updated to account for population distribution. In Dec 2020 council passed by the bylaw for new boundaries that will take effect on Election Day (October 18, 2021) with new ward names!
Indigenous Elders and urban Indigenous community members approached City Council to consider renaming Edmonton’s newly amended wards with Indigenous names. They formed a committee made up of 17 women from First Nations in Treaty No. 6, 7, 8, as well as Métis and Inuit representatives, and represent the Anishinaabe, Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Inuit, Iroquois (Michel Band), Métis and Sioux nations.
The 12 gifted ward names are as follows:
Nakota Isga
Anirniq
Tastawiyiniwak
Dene
O-day’min
Metis
Sipiwiyiniwak
Papastew
Pihesiwin
Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi
Karhiio
Sspomitapi
“Serena, why can’t we just use the old numbers?”
Well my pal, given that boundaries had to be redrawn, the old numerical system is no longer correct for numerous neighbourhoods. This was also an excellent opportunity “for reconciliation for matriarchs to reclaim their roles within the community. [This committee of women] have gifted traditional names to the City’s naming committee to honour these sacred places in Edmonton and to preserve the history for future generations,” (City of Edmonton, 2021).
Find your Ward
City of Edmonton Wards
Just enter your address to see which area you’ll vote for! I also highly encourage you to check out the background behind the name of your ward.
Candidates Running in your ward
So you know which ward you’re voting in. Now what? I highly recommend going to Dave Cournoyer’s election page which lists all the candidates running in your ward, along with their website and social media platforms so you can learn more about their platforms and policies. It also has all the mayoral candidates and the school board trustee candidates listed. Thank you Dave for always being a cohesive site!
Davberta Edmonton Election 2021 Coverage
“Omg Serena. My ward has so many candidates! And so many people running for Mayor. I’m overwhelmed.”
Don’t worry, we can help you get started. Taproot Edmonton sent out a survey to candidates on certain policies, and then made a survey for residents to take, where you can answer the same survey and see how your stance aligns with candidates. This survey, while controversial among candidates, have received a great reception from residents. It can be intimidating because you might not know or have heard about the issues you’re being asked about, but the Taproot team has context and sources listed next to every question to give you a general idea.
Taproot Edmonton Election Survey
Not only does it show you the top candidate that you align with, it’ll also break down which questions you agree or disagree with all the candidates!
***My two cents: I DON’T think this survey should be the final determining factor on who you vote for. the 30 multiple choice questions only cover some big issues that city council has recently discussed, but it’s not every issue, and probably not the issues that you feel the most strongly about. It is an excellent tool to get you started so you can make a shortlist of people to research.
Intermediate level research
Candidate Forums: There have been numerous forums hosted by publications, community leagues, and associations! This is a great way to listen to candidates speak on the same issue.
Rat Creek Press (Mayor, Metis, O-day’min)
Ladies Corner Canada (all wards and mayor)
Candidate Surveys: these candidates have filled out SO MANY SURVEYS so we might as get it the time of day haha. Certain groups will ask more specific questions about issues that the candidates don’t cover in their platform, which can be helpful. There are too many to track down, but these are some that I know of.
iheartedmonton candidate surveys
Paths for People survey (active transportation focused)
Chat with them: I am the only person in this city goes “I wish candidates would knock on my door and tell me about their campaign :(“ I get it, I’m a nerd. If you don’t mind spontaneous conversation, this is the perfect time to ask about issues close to your heart! Even if you don’t know if the topic is a municipal issue, ask them! “What roads does the city take of? I have feelings about snow clearing! Could we have more water fountains or public washrooms?” no matter what you ask, that candidate is already excited that you’re willing to engage with them, trust me. It really beats “no thank you” and a door in your face.
Thank you for getting through this huge wall of text! As someone who has witnessed almost a year of hard work from the candidates and all the thankless volunteers, the best thing you can do is VOTE. Municipal elections historically have much lower voter turnout, despite having the biggest impact on your day to day life! These 13 people consult on decisions that will make a huge impact on our quality of life everyday! Talk to people in your life about voting, and best of luck. Thank you for participating in municipal elections, from the bottom of my heart :)
xoxo S