Voter turnout is a larger issue

Keep the present voting system or change to proportional representation? That’s a big question, but the bigger question should be: “How do we get people to even vote?”

The challenge of increasing voter participation and lack of voting in general is a major issue that will erode our democratic processes and weaken what is left of the world’s democracies. We need look no further than the U.S. and other western democracies.

The percentage of eligible voters who take the time to cast a ballot is dismal.

A recent example of extremely low voter turnout has been in our recent municipal elections. Some areas recorded only about 30 per cent of eligible voters casting ballots. This is a grave concern. Apathy will eventually lead to a breakdown of the democratic process.

Though I will be voting in favour of PR, I am well aware that PR, in and of itself, will not address the lack of engagement in the voting process. But maybe approval of PR will be the kickstart we need to get our citizens involved and committed to voting, to strengthening our weakening democracy.

We must realize a change is needed, not only in government, but in our attitudes toward participation in the forming of governments, and not just those “big” elections.

Municipal elections are as important as federal ones. Steve Frankel Ladysmith