Low Voter Turnout

[August1991]

The numbers have been going down. Although this election has been more interesting (and more of a race) than the past few elections, the turnout may well be around 55% this election.

I feel that people vote by not voting and it's their right to vote this way. The measure of the health of a democracy is not voter turnout.

Would Canada be less of a democracy or less of a country if voter turnout fell to 35%?

[maplesyrup]

The measure of the health of a democracy is not voter turnout.

It absolutely is one measure.

Maybe we need a financial incentive to encourage folks to vote.

Why do the rich always make sure they vote, eh?

[Remus]

Under the soviets in Russia they always boasted higher voter turn outs, they also had big fancy buffets at the polling stations.

[maplesyrup]

Always compare it to the worst, eh?

Australia has 100% particpation in their voting process.

[Remus]

In Australia it is compulsory. A person can still spoil their ballot as well.

Is it wise to force people to vote without forcing them to educated themselves on who to vote for?

[Remus]

Where they have removed compulsory voteing for local elections voter turn out droped

Certainly the actual turnouts recorded in recent voluntary elections are less promising. Only 45 per cent of eligible voters participated in the national voluntary voting for delegates to the 1998 Constitutional Convention that shaped the 1999 republic referendum question. Voluntary voting for local government in the 1990s saw the turnout dip to 59 per cent (Tasmania), 28 per cent (South Australia) and even as low as 10 per cent (Western Australia). The turnout in voluntary State and Federal elections might be higher, since Australians might treat those elections more seriously than local elections.

vote

[iamcanadian]

I don't believe that compulsory voting is a way to solve anything. In fact, if you have to be forced to vote you are probably not making a very informed decision.

I do believe it is important that everyone get out and vote and more people in this country should care. but take the time to understand the platforms of each party, make an educated and informed decision before you mark your x on the ballot.

In closing, if you don't want to take the time to vote, i don't want to hear you complain.

[playfullfellow]

In closing, if you don't want to take the time to vote, i don't want to hear you complain.

Amen to that sentiment, I usually ask people if they vote when they complain about politics in Canada, if the answer is no, then I usually do not pay them much heed. A lot of people do not understand the importance of voting. I do not know whether this is due to laziness or the lack of pride in our country. It can not always be attributed to " there is no one decent to vote for".

[Reverend Blair]

I usually ask people if they vote when they complain about politics in Canada, if the answer is no, then I usually do not pay them much heed.

If somebody admits to not voting, I try to explain to them how democracy works and when they argue that I usually make fun of them. It doesn't get them out to vote the next time, but they tend not to whine about the government when they are around me.