Statement from City Manager Paul Mochrie on the 2025 By-election

In Vancouver's recent municipal by-election, voters elected two new city councillors, with a total of approximately 67,962 ballots cast, resulting in a voter turnout of 15. 09%. This turnout represents a 40% increase compared to the 2017 by-election, highlighting growing civic engagement. City Manager Paul Mochrie expressed his gratitude to voters for their commitment but acknowledged the unacceptable wait times experienced at many polling stations. These delays stemmed from flawed planning assumptions that influenced staff decisions and the electoral process.

He extended his apologies to all voters affected by these delays, as well as to the candidates and civic parties involved. Mochrie assured the public that the city would learn from these shortcomings to enhance the planning and execution of the upcoming 2026 general municipal election. The local government recognizes its critical role in providing an efficient and accessible voting process, striving to uphold the trust placed in it by voters. Moving forward, the city is committed to improving its electoral efforts to prevent similar issues in future elections.