COLD LAKE – In a step toward preparing for the upcoming municipal election, Cold Lake City Council passed second and third reading of Bylaw No. 878-AD-25, being the Election Bylaw, during its regular meeting on June 24.
The bylaw sets the stage for the 2025 municipal election, scheduled for Oct. 20, 2025, aligning with recent provincial legislation changes under the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024.
“Council did give our new election bylaw first reading. The intent of the bylaw is to set out the procedures around our Oct. 20, 2025, municipal election,” said Kristy Isert, general manager of Corporate Services.
“We are recommending second and third reading to the bylaw as it is presented,” she added.
The new Bylaw No. 878-AD-25 replaces Bylaw No. 682-AD-20, which was passed in 2020. Updates were necessary to comply with the amended Local Authorities Election Act, which introduces several significant changes to how municipal elections must be conducted.
Among the key updates:
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The use of electronic voting equipment, like tabulators, is now prohibited.
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Municipalities are now required to maintain a permanent register of electors.
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There is expanded potential for the use of special ballots.
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The rules around recounts have been more clearly defined.
These changes had to be reflected in municipal bylaws before June 30, 2025, to ensure elections are carried out in a fair, impartial, and legal manner.
Council made a motion to approve second and third reading of the Election Bylaw, as presented.
