As I watch the twinkling lights of Edmonton’s skyline from my downtown apartment window, there’s a palpable energy in the air tonight. The 2025 municipal election has arrived, and our city stands at the threshold of potential change.
I’ve spent the day visiting polling stations across the city, from the bustling University of Alberta campus to the community halls in Mill Woods and Riverbend. The steady stream of voters I’ve witnessed suggests we might see higher turnout than the disappointing 37% recorded in 2021.
“This election feels different,” remarked Maria Gonzalez, a volunteer at the Clareview Community Recreation Centre polling station. “People seem more engaged, more determined to have their voices heard.”
She’s right. The issues dominating this election cycle—transit safety, affordable housing, and the controversial downtown arena funding proposal—have sparked passionate debates at community forums I’ve covered throughout September.
For those eager to follow tonight’s results, Global Edmonton will begin their live television coverage at 8 p.m., immediately after polls close. Their team has partnered with the City of Edmonton’s Elections office to provide real-time updates as votes are tallied.
If you’re looking for digital options, the official City of Edmonton website will display results in real-time beginning at 8:15 p.m. The user-friendly dashboard allows you to toggle between mayoral, council, and school board trustee races.
Social media users can follow the hashtag #yegvote on Twitter for community reactions and updates from candidates’ campaign headquarters. The Edmonton Journal and CBC Edmonton will also provide live blog coverage throughout the evening.
What makes this election particularly interesting is the record number of women and newcomer candidates seeking office. According to Elections Alberta, 48% of candidates across all races identify as women, up from 32% in 2021.
“Representation matters,” said Ahmed Hassan, political science professor at MacEwan University. “When diverse candidates run for office, it encourages broader community participation in our democratic process.”
For those who haven’t yet voted, there’s still time. Polls remain open until 8 p.m., and anyone in line by closing time will be permitted to cast their ballot. All you need is proof of identity and address—a driver’s license works perfectly, but there are many other acceptable forms of ID listed on the Elections Edmonton website.
I’ve been covering Edmonton elections for nearly a decade, and the atmosphere tonight feels unusually charged. The mayoral race, with its four front-runners separated by slim polling margins, could extend late into the evening.
At tonight’s watch party at the River Cree Resort, where candidates and supporters will gather, I’ll be providing live updates on my Twitter feed and preparing tomorrow’s comprehensive analysis for LCN.today.
Whatever tonight’s results bring, Edmonton stands at an important crossroads. The next council will face crucial decisions about our city’s development, climate initiatives, and social services—all while navigating post-pandemic budget constraints.
For now, all eyes turn to the ballot counting. Democracy in action has always been a sight that fills me with hope, especially in our resilient prairie city that continues to evolve and reimagine itself with each passing year.
I’ll be bringing you stories from tonight’s results and what they mean for Edmonton’s future in the coming days. Until then, I encourage everyone to participate in this fundamental expression of our democratic values.
