Alternative voting held great promise. It was pitched as the answer to dwindling voter counts by granting convenience and access to all voters.
We railed about it at the time, dissatisfied with potential security and privacy issues, timing and the elimination of yet another opportunity for community to gather. Here we are three or four elections later and the results are poorer than ever. It is passing strange when out and about that potentially seven out of 10 adults who walk past, couldn’t be bothered to vote. The excuses are numerous, but few pass muster.
With the new technology deployed, candidates in most municipalities voting by alternative method were able to access who voted on a daily basis. In a further assault against individual privacy, suspected soft supporters can be hounded to get their ballot cast. Something doesn’t seem sporting about that, particularly during campaign periods that are weeks’ long.
We understand in Minto that some ballots were late getting to voters, so much that so the turnaround time meant many electors were stuck having to hand deliver their ballot.
In Mapleton, the online voting method was embraced heavily over the mail option, although overall turnout was still uninspiring.
In other races, turnout appears near record lows, despite candidates putting on a great show for residents this fall. The campaigns were colourful, sincere and tried very hard to engage with voters and listen to their concerns. That earns an unqualified thank-you in our books and while the results on election night may not have been of one’s choosing, gratitude is theirs for having tried.
Democracy requires work and voting stands as one of the most priceless privileges of the free world. As of their swearing-in ceremony, the individuals elected this past Monday have the power in the next four years to greatly impact the community in which we live. It is puzzling that roughly three out of 10 voters, sometimes less, recognize the weight of that charge.
As new councils settle in, there is merit in the advice to move cautiously and with purpose. We hope those with experience, aided by capable bureaucrats, allow time for issues and options to be understood.
We also hope interested citizens will engage in discussions on improving local democracy and why elections of the future need to be better managed. For example, free facilities at the ready for qualified groups hosting candidate nights. Groups should not suffer financial penalty for doing a foundational public good like promoting democracy.
A return to traditional voting with an option for those having legitimate accessibility issues would be welcome too. Alternative voting has not proven a winner.
Calling out Mr. Ford and Ms. Jones
One would think after a bit of a vacation it would take more than a headline to get the blood boiling, but sure enough Premier Ford and Minister Sylvia Jones did it.
The phrase accountability and transparency are often muttered when in opposition or during an election. Anecdotally, the right-wing politicians seem to use it most often, scything through one crisis or another and demanding those in charge face consequences.
Apparently, what is good for one type of politician, is not necessary for others. A petition for a judicial review of Ford and Jones’ need to attend the Emergencies Act inquiry has been launched. That inquiry is dealing with the events surrounding the blockade in Ottawa this past winter and whether or not the use of said act was justified. There were plenty of actors involved in that bungled event.
Reluctance to attend suggests both individuals have something to hide, or they believe themselves above the fray, or worse, they care little for the rights of Canadians who may or may not have been negatively impacted by the implementation of the Emergencies Act that fateful day.
Man-up, people.
Ontarians deserve answers.
*Last week’s editorial incorrectly stated Wellington Water Watchers was the group that interacted with Centre Wellington candidates. The correct local group was Save our Water, which champions water resource issues in Centre Wellington.
