The Town of Osoyoos has officially taken up the challenge to get as many registered voters to cast their ballots on or before the federal election day on Oct. 19.
City of Nelson Mayor Deb Kozak sent an open letter to municipal leaders across the province to participate in and promote The Community Voters Challenge, which is a citizens’ initiative intended to increase voter turnout on Oct. 19.
The City of Nelson supports this initiative and invites Osoyoos and communities across B.C. to join in as well.
“The goal is to foster community spirit and democratic involvement through creative and imaginative ways,” said Kozak in her open letter. “We want to invigorate our communities and inspire people to vote, especially people between 18 and 34.”
According to Elections Canada, approximately 62 per cent of young Canadians between the ages of 18 and 25 did not vote in the 2011 federal election. For those in the next age bracket between ages 25 and 34, the numbers are equally low.
“Young people opted out for a variety of reasons, but we can change those numbers together,” said Kozak.
Basically, the organizers of the voters’ challenge will calculate the percentage voter turnout for each participating community and compare the numbers with previous federal election results and the upcoming one.
The largest percentage increase wins.
In Nelson, organizers are making the challenge a community effort, reaching out to engage the regional library, service clubs, youth groups, schools, colleges and churches to get new voters registered and committed to voting on election day.
“What we want is to create a community conversation about why it is important to vote, a conversation that will inspire action on Oct. 19,” said Kozak. “The Community Voters Challenge is a worthwhile endeavour that affects all of us because as local governments, we are committed to citizen involvement at every level.
“This challenge is non-partisan and simply aimed at increasing voter turnout. Good luck to you all and we will see you out at the polls on Oct. 19.”
Coun. C.J. Rhodes said this is a terrific idea and one he wholeheartedly endorses.
One of the major tenets of any democratic society is giving adults the right to cast their ballot and there’s no legitimate excuse why voter turnout is so low across Canada, said Rhodes.
“Voter turnout statistics across the country are pathetic,” he said.
Mayor Sue McKortoff agreed, adding citizens who don’t vote should not complain about politicians or the political process.
“If you don’t vote, you really don’t have a leg to stand on,” she said.
A polling station that has been open on Main Street in Osoyoos allows any registered voter to cast his or her ballot in advance of election day on Oct. 19, so there’s no excuse for failing to vote, she said.
“We encourage everyone to get out and vote,” she said. “We are particularly encouraging young people to get out and vote.”
She also encouraged young people to become educated about issues that concern them and make an informed decision when casting their ballots.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
