Twenty-eight candidates are already contending council and mayoral races and nomination day still three weeks away. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Brian Konrad

So many choices can be overwhelming

Crowded civic election ballot may keep some voters on the sidelines

Aug 30, 2021 | 11:21 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Voters will be facing a barrage of political messaging as we get closer to both the federal and civic elections in the next two months. And that may impact voter turnout, according to a local political scientist.

Medicine Hat College political science instructor Jim Groom says with so many names already on the civic election ballot, combined with referendum questions on Daylight Saving Time and removal of the federal equalization formula, not to mention a Senate selection vote on the same day, it may overwhelm some electors.

He says the process may become just too much for people to take in.

“When you get 24 candidates it is overwhelming and voter fatigue kicks in”, says Groom.

“Electors may worry if they have time to evaluate who these people are, what they represent and who’s the best for me,” adds Groom.

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“So the result is we have low, low turnout sometimes in municipal elections which is really unfortunate,” says Groom.

However, Groom says the number of candidates seeking election is a sign of a vibrant local democracy and is likely a reflection of frustration with the current council and mayor.

“People get involved because they think they can be an avenue toward change,” says Groom.

Nomination day is Sept. 20, with the municipal election voting on Oct. 18.