Victoria updates polling plan ahead of municipal election to improve access and flow

Victoria Council has received a report from staff which is looking to streamline election lineups and make voting easier.

The City of Victoria is planning changes to its next municipal election aimed at reducing long wait times at polling stations, following complaints from voters during the 2022 election.

Curt Kingsley, the city clerk and director of legislative services, said council has received a report outlining adjustments based on feedback from voters, election staff and past elections.

“We try to learn from all of these experiences to help inform our decision-making for future opportunities,” said Kingsley.

Kingsley, who also serves as the city’s chief election officer, said lessons were also drawn from the Crystal Pool referendum, where the city made changes to improve voting access and saw a smoother experience compared with the 2022 municipal election.

In response to concerns about extended lineups, the city is focusing on selecting higher-capacity polling locations designed to improve voter flow on election day.

The city says it is also drawing on practices used in the 2025 Vancouver elections.

“We are close to finalizing our locations,” Kingsley said.

The city is also introducing a priority line at polling stations for voters who require additional assistance accessing voting locations.

The system will operate similarly to curbside voting and will be available to voters needing support due to disability, age, or caregiving responsibilities such as parents with young children.