ELECTION 2025: CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP - DAY 23

Campaign Roundup - Day 23

• Advance voting turnout reached 41,340 voters over five days, averaging 8,268 per day. While total turnout was lower than 2021’s 63,834, the daily average was significantly higher despite half as many voting days. Participation increased steadily throughout the week, peaking at nearly 10,700 on the final day. By comparison, Calgary’s advance polls drew over 96,000 voters during its six-day period.
• A new poll shows that most Edmontonians want improved City services like better snow clearing, road maintenance, and crime reduction - but without higher taxes.The next Council will have to balance fiscal restraint with residents’ expectations, possibly by rethinking how money is managed. Mayoral candidates have taken differing stances: Omar Mohammad pledges a tax freeze, Tim Cartmell wants to keep any increases within inflation, Michael Walters says the proposed 2026 tax hike needs to be cut by at least half, and Andrew Knack warns such promises may be unrealistic.
• Polling also shows that 62% of Edmontonians believe the city’s population is growing too fast, and over half say it has negatively affected their lives. Concerns are strongest among younger and lower-income residents struggling with affordability and housing. The issue of managing growth has become a central theme in the Mayoral race.
• Mayoral candidate Rahim Jaffer has promised free parking on evenings, weekends, overnights, and stat holidays, a 30-minute grace period for quick stops, and a lower daytime rate of $2.50/hour.