Former Edmonton city councillor predicts low voter turnout this election

A former city councillor isn’t expecting much of a turnout in the upcoming Edmonton election.

Jim Taylor, who also used to be the head of the downtown business association, said voter turnout is often below 50 per cent, and the way this campaign is shaping up, he doesn’t think it’ll get that high when the ballots are cast on Oct. 16.

He said the only thing that can push turnout beyond the halfway mark is if there’s a “general feeling” that things have to change — like in 1995, when eight new councillors took office.

However, without any major powers chellenging Don Iveson for head office, Taylor doesn’t predict that there will be much of a fight.

“If there’s not going to be a big mayoralty race, you’re not going to have a big turnout.” If there is any excitement, he said it’s going to be at a councillor level, in wards without any incumbent.“That’s where people say ‘Aha, I’ve got a real chance to get on council.'”Taylor pointed out that there are a few big issues lingering over the current mayor and council.“Problems with the bridges, the LRT to NAIT that looks like it’ll never work.”He made a prediction that turnout will be around 30 per cent this election.WATCH: Kim Krushell was on Edmonton city council for years and knows what it takes to be a successful candidate. She joined Shaye Ganam to talk about the upcoming municipal election and share her insights on campaigning.

5:10 Former Edmonton city councillor Kim Krushell shares insights on running a successful election campaign