Election Roundtable

Like Glyn, I’d like to encourage everyone to vote. Every vote counts. During the last election I was left off the voters list, which is more common than it used to be because of recent changes in how they put the list together. Even if you aren’t on the list it isn’t hard to get added on election day as long as you can prove who you are and where you live, and that you are qualified to vote.

Across the country there is one number that can give you the information you need on this, as well as any other information about the election that you may need. If they can’t help you, they can tell you who to call in your area.

Elections Canada can be reached at 1-800-463-6868. If you are going to call I would suggest the earlier the better. The later you wait the longer the possible wait on the phone (there was no wait this morning). Alternatively, the blue pages in your phone book may have your local Elections Canada number.

In recent years the election turnout has been low. This isn’t good for democracy, or for the country. When only about 60% of the population votes, the government is formed by only 60% of the voters. We already have enough distortions in how the government is formed because we use a first past the post system to elect our government. We need to make sure it isn’t made worse by a low voter turnout.