‘It’s a lot of election’: Calgarians prepare for election season as federal, municipal votes loom

CALGARY — Between Calgary’s municipal election and the federal vote, many Calgarians are likely about to be slammed with politicians campaigning and door-knocking trying to gain an extra vote.

It’s something one political scientist says may make it hard for people to keep track of what’s happening.

“Part of the problem here is it was already a very complicated municipal election and you put that together with the federal election, and there’s a bit to look at,” said Lori Williams. “Having said that, in the federal election, it’s really only about deciding who you want to represent you in your riding.”

Williams adds that with both elections happening so close to one another, it could lead to fewer votes all around.

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“In reality, it may be that people think it is too much, and the voter turnout, I think, would be lower in the federal election than in the municipal election. In the municipal election, precisely because we’ve got so many open seats, I think people will care more, it will matter more to them.”

With so little time to go before the federal election, Calgarians are aware it’s getting to crunch time.

“It’s a lot of election. A lot of things to learn, research, figure out about,” said one Calgarian 660 NEWS spoke with.

“There’s no good time for an election, but there’s no bad time for an election, so I’m very excited to exercise my democratic right,” said another.

The federal election takes place on September 20, while the municipal election will follow not long after on October 18.