Vancouver By-Election Sparks Record Turnout and Delays

Vancouver, BC - April 6th, 2025 - On Saturday, April 8, 2025, Vancouver held a by-election to fill two vacant City Council seats. The day saw a strong voter turnout, but also highlighted several logistical challenges. With only 27 voting stations available for a city of approximately 700,000 residents, some voters reported wait times of up to 3.5 hours. Lines extended down streets, particularly at high-traffic locations, with many voters—especially younger individuals—remaining patient and engaged despite the delays.

Priority voting was available for seniors, people with disabilities, and parents with young children. However, the effectiveness of these accommodations varied. While some were able to access the polls quickly, others faced confusion due to limited signage and unclear instructions. Even in the priority line, a senior citizen in her nineties had to sit on the floor while waiting for extended periods to reach the polling booth.

Preliminary results show that Sean Orr (COPE) received the most votes with 34,448, followed closely by Lucy Maloney (OneCity) with 33,732. Colleen Hardwick (TEAM) was next with 17,352 votes. Other candidates, including Jaime Stein and Ralph Kaisers of ABC Vancouver, received fewer votes. The official results will be announced on April 9.

The election process faced strain due to a reported 62% reduction in staffing compared to 2017 and fewer volunteers. This occurred despite an increase in voter turnout—rising to 15%—and an expanded election budget of $2 million, up from $1.5 million in 2017. Limited access to voting information and high demand contributed to the pressure on existing infrastructure.

As the city awaits final confirmation of the elected councillors, the by-election highlights a growing public interest in civic participation and the need for voting systems to keep pace. With the federal vote scheduled for April 28—when all of Canada will head to the polls—there’s hope that lessons learned from Vancouver’s by-election will lead to improved planning, clearer communication, and smoother voting experiences nationwide.

#Vancouver Votes #By-Election 2025 #Civic Engagement #Vote BC #Vancouver News #Election Day #BC Politics #Democracy In Action #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788