Dear Editor:
Democracy is a fragile thing. The right and opportunity to vote are fundamental pillars of a free and democratic society.
It is unfortunate that voter turnout in municipal elections is usually under 50 per cent.
This year, the citizens of Osoyoos have a huge decision to make regarding the new fire hall.
Whatever the outcome, if you don’t vote, you don’t have a right to moan about the result.
All which brings me to my main point of this letter.
The municipal election will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15 and the advance poll is set to take place on Friday, Nov. 5.
I go south for the winter months and will not be here in Osoyoos for the advance poll.
I know seven other friends who will not be here either and I am sure many others in town will also not be able to vote.
They will effectively be disenfranchised.
The town does not have any alternative in place to allow these citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote.
A proxy arrangement would be implemented, as our cousins to the south in Okanogan County do have a write-in vote.
These missing votes could be a deciding factor in some races as positions in past elections have only been won by a few votes.
Bill Robertson,
Osoyoos, B.C.
