Edmonton’s municipal election race is about to end after almost a year of campaigning, scores of Zoom debates, millions of dollars spent, and many high-profile candidates. The next step is up to you, the voter. You’ve to make your decisions on Monday, October 18, 2021.
Usually, this time of year is a busy one for interVivos. As you know, we organize nonpartisan municipal election events to have deep discussions on issues that matter. Our board of directors is still concerned about everyone’s safety, so arranging an in-person event was not the right thing to do during the fourth wave. We also know that our audience has severe Zoom fatigue! If you’re nostalgic, you can click here to watch a short video debrief from our last municipal election event in 2017 and to read a “What We Heard Document.” Many of the top-of-mind issues from 2017 remain the same this election—housing, homelessness, transit, and diversity on council.
This election is your opportunity to shape the direction of your community by choosing our leaders for the next four years. Sadly, it is a responsibility that too few electors have taken up in the past. Only around 30 percent of Edmonton’s eligible voters went to the polls in the last civic election.
It is heartening that 10 percent of voters have already voted in Edmonton’s advance polls. That could herald a significantly healthier participation rate among electors. However, the pandemic might deter others who aren’t sure about the public health measures in place despite preparations to deliver a safe election: thttps://www.edmonton.ca/city-government/edmonton-elections/voting-election/safe-election.
Anyone concerned about moving past the pandemic and other issues such as better urban transit, climate change, fair taxes, clean streets, efficient garbage collection and recycling, recreational facilities, and well-maintained roads has good reason to vote. So, too, does anyone who cares about the quality and future of local schools. Click here to find out more about where to vote: https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/municipal_elections/find-your-voting-station.
Electing the wrong people to the local office could trigger long-term damage in all these areas of the public sector. That’s why it’s so important for voters to be informed and take the time to cast a ballot and act on their best judgment for the mayor, councilors, and school board trustees. Our friends from Taproot Edmonton have put together this handy survey to help people decide: https://edmonton.taproot.vote/2021/surveys/peoples-agenda/match. Find out who you agree with most before you go to vote!
The 2021 Edmonton Election also includes the senate nominee election and two referendum votes. We have pulled some links together to help those still struggling with their decisions on the two referendums.
Equalization Referendum
Why you should vote “yes”:
https://www.unitedconservative.ca/get-ready-to-vote-yes-equalization-referendum-question-released/
https://www.freealbertastrategy.com/uncensored_vote_yes_to_end_equalization
Why you should vote “no”:
https://globalnews.ca/news/4314547/equalization-payments-alberta-ottawa-oil/
Daylight Savings Referendum
Why you should vote “yes”:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/senate-and-referendum/referendum-questions/daylight-saving-time/
https://everythinggp.com/2021/09/23/daylight-saving-time-yay-or-nay/
Why you should vote “no”:
https://utswmed.org/medblog/daylight-saving-time-sleep-health/
Good luck making your decisions, and thank you for your commitment to democracy. The City of Edmonton has suspended election fares on October 18, making it even easier for you to cast your ballot.
Make sure to check us out for in-person dialogue events in 2022 on issues that matter to Edmonton and area residents. If you are interested in collaborating with us on an event, please contact the board at connect@intervivos.ca.
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