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So, with the sweet smell of election season around the corner, we are once again confronted with the ultimate hypocracy of democracy...voting! With just over half (roughly 60% in the last election) of eligable voters actually voting, Canadians are once again faced with this dilemma--how do we get people out to the polls? Agreed, politicans need to their part to focus on younger voters and those parts of Canada most party leaders prefur to breeze through in favor of voter rich Ontario and Quebec. Suppose, for a moment, Canada were to implement a manditory voting system where, in a sense, it would be illegal not to vote punishable by a monetary fine. If you think this is crazy, it's exactly alrady in place in a number of countries like Australia. Another suggestion that's been mentioned is the possibility of online voting to overcome our admitted laziness in "just not wanting to go out". Almost everyone who reads this will agree that it's our lack of voter enthusiasum that had led to minority special interest groups running the country because, for the most part, they probably make of the majority of those standing in line on election day. We need only reflect on some of the past bills being passed through parliment and wonder who truly benefits from them to realise the consequence of our own lack of interest outside of our jobs, sex life, and what to cook for supper lives.

So what should we do? Any thoughts.

J

   

Mmmmm, I dunno. Good question.

Do we really want people too lazy to vote having a say in the direction of our country?

   

Voter apathy, interesting question.

I'd prefer more than 5-6 weeks in campaigning. An election is called and 5 weeks later we're at the polls? On your mark, get set, vote! Based on what? Two screaming matches on CBC and one town hall meeting at the local arena?

At the rate elections are called in this country the impact or significance is lost. It's Monday, shouldn't I be voting on something?

Clearing defined running platform and the accountability of whomever is voted in to stick to their word. (if you're gonna dream, dream big )

"We will increase spending on our military." How much and where are you going to spend it? Give me specifics, break it down, and tell me where this money is coming from?

Knowing my vote matters would be a great incentive. With all do respect to Ontario and Quebec the election is generally called by the time I get to the poles.

   

The point I tried to make a few weeks ago... I actually look at it from the other end, compared to MustangJay. People who don't have any thought reasons for, or don't really want to vote shouldn't do so. The problem is then getting the people who want to vote, and are willing to do the necessary homework, to do so in an informed way.

I'm sure there's plenty of reasons why Aristocracy won't work, but it seems like a good idea to me...

   

The new 'funding per vote' policy they started is the reason I started voting in the last election... even if your vote doesn't change anything, you're at least supporting the party.

   

A fine system would be too costly to run (especially considering enforcement)... and I think a carrot instead of a stick might be more effective. You might want to consider a 1% non-refundable tax credit (based on taxable income) for a voter. I would hesitate to go with a set $ amount (for a fine / reward) because it would bias the response towards poorer voters, and systematic bias is a dangerous thing for something as important as government leadership.


And as for the cause of low voter turn outs, I have an alternative theory. Apathy. Our political system does not hold politicians into account for their promises, so you really don't know what your voting for sometimes. I make my choice based on broad party tendencies / philosophies instead of the charisma of the leader / candidate. Some people are more issue oriented, and others are more focused on candidate quality. Basically, people need a reason to vote: something they care about. What if you have no faith in the system, don't like any of the candidates in your riding nor any of the party platforms? A spoiled / blank ballot is a "protest" which is ignored unless the numbers are extremely high, and an apathetic voter isn't likely to take the time.

One other possible explanation for non-voters is hopelessness. If you live in a landslide riding, you just might not be motivated to cast a seemingly useless vote. Consider an NDP supporter living in rural Alberta, or a conservative supporter living in Toronto ( )... I vote for the principle of it, knowing that my choice has almost no chance of being elected, and not everyone is willing to do this.

   

Taking into consider your suggestion what would the cost be to the taxpayers to implement and administer a program of this magnitude?

   

If the people dont know the issues or an opinion why should they vote? They can destabalize everything. We may end up having crazy people in government......ok well we already do but it could be worse.

   

There is no excuse for not voting.
I wouldn't exactly want to see the RCMP out herding people to the polls at gunpoint, but I don't have a problem with the idea of a little incentive (small tax rebate, perhaps) for voting.

   

My grandfather was an old campaigner for the Conservative Party back in the 40's, 50's and 60's. My father told stories of how they would ride the rails into small communities with casks of whiskey and cases of beer to encourage the people to vote. Should we have keg parties outside of every polling booth to eradicate voter apathy today? I think yes!! Woohoo!!! let's have an election next month.

   

During the last fed election when it came down to the wirewere we not all waiting to see exactly how all of BC & AB voted to see who would govern?

   

Yes this is true, and thanks for the reminder. It was a very close race and as with every other election I made sure vote was in.

   

The problem is not with the voting system or people not wanting to go down to the polls. It is a lack of candidates worth voting for. Most politicians are scum who are only looking to advance their political careers. Sure there are the odd good ones that worry about democracy and their constituents but they are a rarity. What we need is dynamic, exciting candidates that actually do exactly what they say they are going to do. People who do not immediately change their position as soon as elected. But I am living in a fantasy world where health-care is truly universal, insurance companies want to pay you money, lawyers work for the common good and not the highest bidder, politicians work for their constituents and there is justice and prosperity for all...what just happened?...I think I blacked out for a moment...

   

To quote a famous and wise Canadian...

"When you choose not to decide you still have made a choice."
- Geddy Lee of Rush

Forcing people to vote is wrong. But if they do not vote they should also be denied their right to complain about the government.

   

Simple as that. I agree 100%.
Having said that, I am gonna check out what has happened in Australia with their madatory voting. A democracy that forces you to vote doesn't sound very democratic.

   

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