There are more candidates running for mayor than ever before in Lethbridge in this year’s civic elections.
Six mayoral candidates have thrown their hats in the political ring and another 30 candidates to fill the eight aldermanic seats.
In the 2007 elections, voter turnout dropped to just 22.6 per cent, a number which may be poised to increase this year with the city bustling with election buzz.  

One key reason for the seemingly high interest is the rare changing of the guard in the mayor’s office. Lethbridge has seen only four different mayors since 1962, with incumbent Bob Tarleck having been in office since 2001.
“I think a lot of it is just enthusiasm on the part of the people who want to get engaged in the community. This is a pretty vibrant, happening place and people want to be part of the action,” said Tarleck.”During the last election there wasn’t a race for mayor…there’s a feeling that this is the time to review everything that were doing.”
There are also strong ties to Lethbridge College in the midst of the election.
James Frey, Cheryl Meheden, Shaun ward, Margaret Simmons, Ryan Parker,  Faron Ellis and Bob Babki have all attended classes, or have been part college faculty.
This year’s election is also experiencing an injection of youth, with fourth-year University of Lethbridge political science major Rory Tarant and 22 year-old city resident Fiona Doherty are running for aldermen.
Tarleck maintains it’s important for the young, first-time candidates to realize how much work is involved and not lose sight of the common goal.
“They have to have the mindset to work in a cooperative manner in which people have different opinions and goals.”
Election Day is October 18.