Small town resident doesn’t like NDP
For Mark Makela, the message is clear. “Everyone needs to get out and vote in this election,” Makela says. The 67-year-old from Rolla, just north of Dawson Creek, came to Prince George on a quest to post anti-NDP signs around the city.
Standing at a street corner visiting Mr. PG, Makela hammered in his signs that state “NDP sucks” and “NDP NFW.”
Along with other political signs scattered across the lawn from local candidates, Makela is determined to make his mark.
“I had to do something. I’m a lifelong hunter and I’ve worked as a grader most of my life.
“I’ve made a good living but I feel my job along with other folks in small towns in the north is under threat if the NDP gets in,” Makela said. “I want to keep on working.” Registered with Elections BC as an individual advertising sponsor, Makela purchased the signs – spending about $400 including bumper stickers that say “OMG not the NDP.”
But for Makela, his message is far more about voter apathy than just trying to oppose a party.
“We all need to get out and vote. We all need to have a say,” Makela said.
“There are people who have fought in wars for our country and they put their blood and sweat into building it,” Makela said.
“I grew up with a lot of these old timers who helped make this place what it is today and there’s people who won’t get out there and vote on election day?”
Voter apathy occurs when eligible voters do not vote in public elections.
From being disillusioned with the current government to thinking their vote might not make a difference, there are various reasons why voters aren’t quick to head to the polls.
Provincially, 55.32 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot in the 2013 election.
Students in British Columbia have launched a province-wide initiative, titled Students Are Voting, to help promote awareness and encourage post-secondary students to vote.
“Students and youth turned out in record numbers in the past federal election and helped tip a number of very close races.
“Our message to students is simple: this election will be incredibly close, every vote will count, and every vote will make a difference,” said Simka Marshall, chairperson of the B.C. Federation of Students on the BCFS blog.
And maybe Makela too has an answer.
“I’m from a small town. I sit with friends there and have coffee but all we do is talk. I knew that I had to do something more,” Makela said.
“Hopefully this will encourage everyone to get out there and vote.”
I had to do something. I’m a lifelong hunter and I’ve worked as a grader most of my life. I’ve made a good living but I feel my job along with other folks in small towns in the north is under threat if the NDP gets in. — Mark Makela