The Alberta government passed a new law for local elections and as a result the 2025 Edmonton election will end up costing almost $5 million more than previously budgeted. Although there is no evidence of voter fraud in Alberta associated with vote-counting machines, the Alberta government's new law stipulates that all ballots most be hand counted and a permanent electors list must be established. The city will need to hire more temporary election workers for advance and regular voting days, plus more temporary or short-term employees for other work related to the election. In addition to more manpower Edmonton will have to print 1.6 million extra ballots and 240,000 more voter information cards.

Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Andrew Knack is frustrated because although the city didn't ask for the new rules, they will cost the city the equivalent of a 0.3 per cent tax increase. City council will discuss the report from Elections Edmonton at the city council meeting Wednesday or Thursday.