TEAM for a Livable Vancouver demands Vancouver Election Office immediately increase staffing as by-election voters face huge lineups at multiple locations

Vancouver  (Apr. 5, 2025):  TEAM for a Livable Vancouver is demanding Vancouver’s Election Office immediately increase staffing at all by-election voting places after multiple reports of waits of up to one and half hours at several locations, including the Kitsilano Community Centre and Trout Lake Community Centre.

TEAM spokesperson Sal Robinson said that it’s outrageous to ask voters to wait an hour or more to exercise their democratic right to vote – and that some people take one look at the length of the lines and simply walk away.

“This poor planning for voting stations is demonstrably discouraging people from exercising their democratic right to vote,” said Robinson.  “TEAM wants the Vancouver Election Office to immediately get extra staff on hand for the remaining hours of this important election for two city councillors.”

“It’s inexcusable for these massive lineups to be happening after the Vancouver Election Office already saw record turnouts – and huge lineups – in advance voting earlier – why didn’t they add staff after that?” Robinson asked.

Robinson said TEAM, which is running two candidates for city council – Colleen Hardwick and Theodore Abbott -  is gathering evidence to file an official complaint over the lack of adequate staffing and resources in this by-election but said at least the Vancouver Election Office could mitigate some of the damage since polls remain open until 8 p.m.

“Get any management staff from their day off to assist the democratic process immediately,” Robinson said.  “Get staff to assist seniors, people with disabilities and parents with small children to vote without waiting through long lineups – these are simple things that can be done right now!”