While at least one of my co-workers expounds his concern over the issue of mail-in versus traditional voting method, it’s a non-issue for me.
Every method has its pros and cons.
If there is a perfect system, it has yet to be discovered – though I doubt it ever will – because someone will never be entirely happy with it.
And to be quite honest, both systems works equally well for me – as did the long-abandoned telephone vote.
The trick is taking the time to read or listen to the instructions – and not wait until the last minute to cast a vote or ballot.
Equally true, is that I will likely not mail in my ballot – I dropped it off in person, hoping to save a few cents in mailing costs. These days, everyone’s effort to save a few extra dimes on behalf of the municipality is worth the effort.
Comments I’ve heard in the office are there has been an individual who has had a number of faulty or extra ballots sent to his doorstep and considering to vote numerous times clearly indicates a fault with the system. Mistakes happen.
But personally, it shows more the failings of an individual who would proudly usurp the democratic system, just because the opportunity presented itself. Plus, it is illegal.
I can’t imagine any worthwhile politician being proud of being elected in such a manner.
Mail-in works in Minto
Mail-in votes generate results in Minto.
As of Tuesday afternoon, voter participation in this year’s municipal election stood at 43% with more ballots coming in by mail and at the municipal office.
In 2006, voter returns with a mail-in vote was 54%. The last time Minto used a traditional vote, the turnout was 19%.
The results are a pleasant surprise to acting clerk Jane Steller who said she’d never seen such a turnout in other municipalities where she’d worked, using the traditional polls.
In those areas, voting stood only at 23% to 25%, she said.
While its too late to mail in ballots now, they can still be dropped off at the town office during regular business hours.
Minto’s website states that on Oct. 25 (voting day) the municipal office will be open until 8pm. In addition, on Oct. 23, ballot return stations will be set up in the lobbies of the Clifford, Harriston and Palmerston arenas between noon and 4pm.
Meanwhile, advance polls in Wellington North have only brought out 5.3% of the voting public.
In Wellington North
As the election draws to a close, it appears there may be some mudslinging in the north as well.
Following the email forwarded to our office last week about who was where during the advance poll in Mount Forest, the office received a quick response Friday from Wellington North mayor Mike Broomhead, defending his actions. His contention was that while he was at the Mount Forest Sportsplex, it was to meet with friends, and it had nothing to do with the advance polls being held there that day.
Further, Broomhead stated that his vehicle is his primary transportation, though it does double duty as his only campaign sign.
As such, he said he did not park the vehicle next to the building.
Broomhead maintained that having run in seven previous elections and having taken part in four candidate meetings during the current election, “I stand on my high level of integrity.”
“I have always shown great respect towards my constituents and fellow candidates.”
That said, there were also a few barbs launched during recently attended candidate nights, not so much direct attacks or what was said … but rather how issues were stated … some in response to comments made at a previous candidate night.
The Monck Quarry
Environmental issues are a great concern to any community, but it did seem unfair to ambush prospective mayors or councillors on their stance regarding the Wilson Quarry proposal in Monck.
As important as the outcome will be, current members of council are restricted from offering their full opinion because the matter is before the Ontario Municipal Board.
Prospective candidates on the other hand, had the opportunity to spout rhetoric, knowing full well the issue is out of their control. No one disputes the importance of the Luther Marsh – or the importance of aggregate to the province, but local politicians, current or elected, will have to wait for an OMB decision before planning any next step.
Mason will be missed
As the election draws near, some councils appear to be closing up shop for the next month or so.
Although the election is Oct. 25, the official swearing in of the new council isn’t until early December.
Because of that, Wellington North won’t be holding any council meetings in November – unless circumstance requires a special meeting.
As a result, although faces may change because of the election, one thing is certain.
Long time councillor Bob Mason will not be returning to the table. Earlier this year, he announced that he would not seek re-election.
He’ll be missed, in part because of his knowledge and dedication to the community.
But specifically, his no-nonsense common sense approach to issues was invaluable.
Plans and visions are quite useful, but to get things done, a down-to-earth practical approach often makes a lot more sense.
