Editorial: 838

As the leaves turn and the first hints of frost signal the end of another Alberta summer, rural communities across the province are preparing for an event that may seem modest to outsiders but is foundational to the health of local democracy: the 2025 Alberta Municipal Election.

On October 20th, a total of 446 rural council positions will be contested, spanning 63 municipal districts and two specialized municipalities. While the numbers may appear small when measured against Alberta’s urban centres, the election is a reminder that democracy, in its most immediate and tangible form, thrives where it touches people’s lives directly: on the local council table, in the council chambers, and in the very communities where families live, work, and raise children.

The statistics tell a fascinating story. Across the 64 rural municipalities set to hold elections, there are 838 candidates stepping forward to fill 446 available positions. Put another way, roughly 0.2 percent of the rural population—471,182 according to the 2021 Census—is putting their names forward to serve as councillors.

That’s a small slice of the population, yet it represents an extraordinary commitment to community, a willingness to tackle complex local issues from infrastructure and taxation to agriculture and municipal services. These 838 civic-minded individuals are the backbone of rural governance, and their participation underscores a resilience of local democracy that is sometimes overlooked in the shadow of provincial or federal politics.

Yet, not every municipality will see a competitive race this year.

The Municipal District of Provost No. 52 and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 will see their councils acclaimed, with all positions filled without an election. Fairview No. 136 faces a slightly more complicated scenario: while most council seats have been acclaimed, District 4 remains vacant following a resignation from the previous term. Lesser Slave River presents a close-call case: three candidates in both Divisions 1 and 2 were acclaimed, leaving only the Reeve position to be decided at the ballot box.

In total, 13.22 percent of rural council positions—59 in all—will not require voters to head to the polls this October, highlighting both a level of stability in certain areas and, perhaps, the challenges of encouraging competitive participation in some smaller communities.

The northern reaches of Alberta are seeing a surge of interest in municipal governance. The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17 leads the province in participation, with 25 candidates vying for 11 council seats. Similarly, Lac La Biche County and Big Lakes County each have 23 candidates contesting nine positions. County of St. Paul No. 19 matches that level of engagement with 23 candidates, including four running for Reeve. These numbers suggest that in certain regions, rural residents are energized and eager to contribute to the decision-making that shapes their communities.

The MD of Spirit River No. 133 is notable for making a historic change this election cycle: for the first time, councillors will be elected at large rather than by district. With five positions available and 11 candidates in the running, this shift may signal a move toward a broader, more inclusive approach to representation—or at the very least, an attempt to streamline governance and encourage more balanced participation across the municipality.

Meanwhile, some municipalities are bracing for significant transitions in leadership.

Wheatland County, Flagstaff County, and the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 are all seeing their Reeves step down and not reoffer for another term as councillors. These open seats offer opportunities for new voices to emerge, but also create uncertainties for residents who rely on experienced leadership to guide municipal planning, budgeting, and service delivery.

Council size adjustments in several municipalities are shaping the election landscape in interesting ways. Mackenzie County, County of Newell, Flagstaff County, and Northern Sunrise County are all reducing the number of council seats, creating a more competitive environment for incumbents and newcomers alike. In Northern Sunrise County, for instance, a high-profile race has emerged in District 5, where incumbent councillors Gaylene Whitehead and Corinna Williams are facing off against each other. Such contests reflect the complexities of rural representation: fewer seats mean more concentrated responsibility, higher stakes for candidates, and potentially, greater scrutiny from constituents.

Red Deer County offers what may be the most closely watched race of the season. With outgoing Mayor Jim Wood leaving a significant leadership vacuum, three incumbent councilors—Christine Moore (Division 6), Brent Ramsay (Division 5), and Lonny Kennet (Division 2)—are competing for the mayoralty. This election will not only determine the leadership for one of Alberta’s largest counties but may also serve as a bellwether for rural voter priorities, particularly in areas such as municipal finance, infrastructure, and economic development.

Despite the turnover and competition, incumbency still plays a powerful role in Alberta’s rural politics. Of the 446 council positions up for grabs, 352 incumbents are seeking re-election. This high proportion suggests that rural residents and current officeholders alike value continuity and experience in local government. At the same time, the influx of new candidates in several municipalities indicates that change is equally valued, creating a dynamic interplay between stability and renewal.

The fact that only a small fraction of the population—roughly 0.2 percent—is standing for office highlights a recurring tension in rural civic life. On one hand, these candidates represent a committed segment of the population, willing to dedicate time, energy, and often personal resources to public service. On the other, the small pool of participants raises questions about engagement and accessibility: why aren’t more residents stepping forward?

Are there barriers—perceived or real—that discourage candidacy, from campaign costs to time commitments, family obligations, or a sense of inadequacy against more seasoned candidates?

These questions are not unique to Alberta, but they carry special weight in rural communities. Here, municipal councils wield enormous influence over residents’ daily lives, from road maintenance and agricultural planning to emergency services and local taxation. If only a small fraction of citizens feel empowered or willing to participate, the governance of these communities may increasingly reflect a narrow subset of voices rather than the diverse perspectives that make rural Alberta resilient.

While candidate numbers and electoral statistics tell one part of the story, it is equally important to consider voter engagement. In many rural communities, low population density, long distances between polling stations, and competing seasonal demands such as harvest schedules can depress voter turnout. Yet elections are not just about who sits on council—they are about the collective voice of the community, the ability of residents to shape their futures, and the cultivation of civic norms that underpin a functioning democracy.

In this context, even municipalities where councils are acclaimed deserve reflection. Acclamation can be a sign of satisfaction with current leadership, but it can also signal apathy or barriers to participation. The challenge for rural Alberta moving forward will be to balance respect for dedicated incumbents with proactive efforts to broaden civic engagement, nurture new leadership, and ensure that elections reflect the full spectrum of community interests.

As October 20th approaches, rural Albertans will have the chance to witness the democratic process in its most immediate form. Whether in competitive races like the MD of Opportunity No. 17 or acclamations like the MD of Provost No. 52, the election reminds us that local governance is neither abstract nor distant; it is deeply intertwined with the health, prosperity, and cohesion of communities.

Looking beyond this election cycle, several challenges and opportunities loom. First, encouraging broader participation—both in candidacy and in voting—will be critical. The small percentage of rural residents running for council positions suggests there is untapped civic potential. Outreach, mentorship, and public education campaigns could help residents understand the impact of local government and feel empowered to take on leadership roles.

Second, the trend of council downsizing in some municipalities raises questions about representation and workload. Fewer councillors may mean more efficiency, but it also concentrates responsibilities and could strain elected officials, particularly in municipalities facing economic or demographic pressures. Maintaining accountability and community engagement will be essential to ensuring that smaller councils can still meet the diverse needs of their residents.

The upcoming election offers an opportunity for renewal. Open seats, competitive races, and shifts to at-large voting in municipalities like Spirit River No. 133 signal that change is not only possible but actively happening. New perspectives, experiences, and ideas entering rural councils could revitalize governance, spark innovation in service delivery, and foster collaboration between municipalities as they navigate shared challenges such as infrastructure, resource management, and economic diversification.

The 2025 Alberta Municipal Election may not dominate headlines in the way provincial or federal campaigns do, but for rural communities, it is vital. With 838 candidates contesting 446 council positions, and with both continuity and change reflected in acclamations, competitive races, and open seats, this election captures the complexity, resilience, and importance of grassroots democracy.

Rural Albertans should take pride in the civic engagement on display. Even with only a small fraction of the population running for office, the dedication of these individuals ensures that local voices will continue to shape the future of the province’s towns, counties, and districts. At the same time, this election serves as a reminder that democracy requires not only those willing to lead but also a community willing to participate, question, and vote. The next few weeks will be a test of that willingness—and the results will shape rural Alberta for years to come.

For residents of the MDs, counties, and specialized municipalities across the province, October 20th is more than a date on the calendar. It is an affirmation that, in rural Alberta, democracy is alive, local voices matter, and community leadership remains a noble and essential pursuit.