Town council has approved senior staff to look into the possibility of using the town’s community bus to transport local residents to polling stations to cast their votes in the upcoming municipal election, as well as looking at the possibility of holding advance polls at local seniors’ residences.
Coun. C. J. Rhodes said the voter turnout for municipal elections across the country and here in Osoyoos is painfully low and council should be taking every effort to try and increase the number of eligible voters to cast ballots during the November 15 municipal election.
He asked senior administration to look at the possibility of using the community bus to transport voters to polling stations on election day as well as at advance polls.
The traditional turnout is “dreadfully poor” in Osoyoos for municipal elections and he would like to see all eligible voters have every opportunity to cast their ballot.
Mayor Stu Wells said he liked Rhodes’ idea and said there are many local citizens and community organizations that would volunteer their time and effort to transport citizens on election day.
Coun. Michael Ryan said the reality is “older people vote and younger people don’t” during municipal elections in this community.
Being able to provide transportation to seniors who have mobility and health issues is a wonderful idea, said Ryan.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
