Everything you need to know about Lethbridge's municipal election

Here's the information Lethbridge voters need to make informed decisions when casting ballots for mayor and city councillors in the Oct. 18 municipal election.

Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman, who was served in the role since 2013, is not running for re-election. Six candidates are vying to take his spot, while 32 individuals are seeking one of eight councillor spots.

When it comes to those eight spots, Lethbridge does not have a ward system — but that could change after this election. More on that later.

• Unsure who to support for mayor? CBC News will host a forum with the mayoral candidates on Oct. 12 starting at 7 p.m. on cbc.ca/calgary

Lethbridge residents who are at least 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen can vote on election day. 

Those who don't feel comfortable venturing out to a voting station amid the pandemic have the opportunity to vote at a drive-thru station at the Lethbridge Exhibition Park outdoor kiosks from Oct. 8 to 10. 

On election day, residents can vote at any of 14 voting stations across the city from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For a map showing where those locations are, click here. 

Who's running for mayor?

Six candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to replace Spearman.

The candidates include a member of council, a former member of council, a former Blood Tribe councillor, members of the business and law community and a mixed martial arts fighter.

Here's a full list of the mayoral hopefuls, along with links to their websites, to find more information about their backgrounds and platforms:

Who's running for council?

With 32 declared candidates, it's a crowded field for the eight available councillor seats.

Four incumbents — Mark Campbell, Belinda Crowson, Jeff Carlson and Ryan Parker — are seeking re-election.

Current councillors Joe Mauro, Rob Miyashiro and Jeff Coffman are not running, while Coun. Blaine Hyggen is seeking the mayor's chair.

On election day, the eight candidates receiving the most votes will be elected to council. 

What other items are on the ballot this year?

Lethbridge uses an "at-large" system when electing councillors, meaning each member of council represents the city as a whole — not individual wards.

That could change after this election. Voters will be asked to decide whether to adopt a ward system for the next election.

The city notes there's no specific population threshold that would prompt a move to a ward system. Cities like Calgary use ward systems, while other large centres like Vancouver have stuck with at-large systems.

Lethbridge voters will also be asked to vote on whether council should approve plans to construct a third bridge over the Oldman River prior to 2030.

The estimated cost of that project ranges from $175 million to $200 million, according to the city. Proponents say it would ease traffic congestion in the community.

The city notes the results of this ballot question are non-binding, but the next council could use the results to inform future direction on the project.

CBC Calgary has launched a Lethbridge bureau to help tell your stories from southern Alberta with reporter Joel Dryden. Story ideas and tips can be sent to joel.dryden@cbc.ca.

What would news coverage look like if every Lethbridge resident was welcome to help shape it? 

We've launched an experimental outreach effort for Lethbridge and area residents. If you're in the area, join our Lethbridge Bureau texting community to help in this experiment.