The other day I was asking two friends about what approach I might take in writing a pre-election blog. They jokingly replied that I was probably speaking to the so-called converted. They presumed individuals following our blog posts would have already cast their votes in one of the advance polls, had already marked Election Day on their calendar or on had put voting on their “to do” list for October 19th.
I recently had a different conversation about the upcoming Federal Election this time with a taxi driver as we drove by numerous election signs. In the course of our conversation he shared with me that he didn’t think his vote would count. On stepping out of his cab I gently commented that if he acted on that thought he was leaving the Shaping of Canada to others. His facial expression acknowledged my words. Unfortunately, the cab driver is not alone.
The voter turnout since 1988 has declined running below 70% of eligible voters. The lowest voter turnout of 58.8 % was recorded in 2008. In the last federal election (2011) the voter turnout was the third lowest in Canadian history. There is little chance of a low voter turnout giving a true reflection of the will of the people.
What role might committed voters play in getting out the vote? Each of us will have frequent opportunities in the course of the upcoming days to encourage our family members, neighbours and colleagues to cast their ballots for the leader, party, or candidate of their choice. Visit www.theresalubowitz.com/2011/06/13/why-vote/ if you want five good reasons to support being a voter. Now is an excellent time for a little peer encouragement, an offer of a ride or babysitting etc. Let’s do our part to increase the voter turnout one voter at time. Let’s help shape Canada according to the will of the people.
Nancy Wales, CSj