Pandemic-proofing our municipal elections
Elections over the past year have been a mixed bag. The pandemic has shown us how fragile our voting systems are, and have revealed some ugly fault lines in both our democracies and social safety nets. Record low voter turnout in our provincial election is evidence of this, particularly when we recognize that barriers to voting were unevenly shared.
This fall, voters have a critical opportunity to elect new leaders for their cities and towns. Municipalities have a huge role to play in shaping our health and well-being, and who we elect has a big impact on how we live. We can feel the difference that governments make in our daily lives, as they respond to everything from pandemicfuelled fiscal crises to climate change. The choices our elected leaders make matter, both today and for future generations.
For this reason, it’s important to make changes now that will ensure everyone who wants to vote in municipal elections this fall will have a safe chance to do so. This means planning as though a COVID-19 outbreak is inevitable during the election. Even with a successful vaccine rollout, we need to expect that the pandemic may remain a disruptive force. This cautious approach will protect both the health of our communities and our democracy. There are a few things we can do immediately.
First, we can encourage
voting by phone or online. While this won’t remove all voting barriers, it will allow people who aren’t able to leave their home, for whatever reason, to know their vote will be counted rather than worrying about postmarks. Other voters in Atlantic Canada (like Halifax) are already voting by phone/ internet securely, and our own recent election suggests it is possible here as well. Enacting technology and policy that would make this possible is a key way for municipalities to reach more voters, and the earlier we act, the sooner we can address any technological hiccups.
Second, we need to expand opportunities for in-person
voting. This could involve extending the voting period and increasing the number of advanced polls. Under the Municipal Elections Act, up to two advanced polls are permitted 14 days before election day. Amending these provisions will reduce the number of people who vote in-person on a given day. Avoiding crowds is possible without sacrificing opportunities to show up at the ballot box.
Third, let’s make voting safer for poll workers. This will require cleaning and disinfecting protocols, providing personal protective equipment to all staff, and providing masks to voters who require them. We could also conduct poll station training virtually. We might also make election “day” a weekend affair, rather than a single day. Shifting to a three-day period from Saturday to Monday, with eight-hour days, would make a larger workforce available. It would also reduce the inevitable fatigue that accompanies 12-hour days of mask-wearing and hand sanitizing.
Fourth, we should adjust our expectations about when we will know the results. This has been necessary both in our recent provincial election and in the U.S. federal election. As the opportunities to vote in different ways are expanded, the public and candidates need to understand that it will take time to count all votes.
Finally, municipalities should consult social sector agencies that serve people who are often excluded, or face new barriers to voting during the pandemic. This includes persons with disabilities or mental illnesses; newcomers; people experiencing violence; the housing insecure and/or low-income; students; and seniors. Municipal governments must recognize the challenges that many in their community face to democratic participation, and must be open to creative solutions for protecting everyone’s right to vote.
Low voter turnout is not inevitable. Newfoundland and Labrador can have safe municipal elections this fall if we embrace the two factors we have in our favour: the hard-earned experience from recent elections, and four months to plan to do things differently. We shouldn’t let this window of opportunity close before pandemic proofing elections. This requires work. We may need to amend provincial legislation and municipal bylaws, and bolster our technological capacity. We should act quickly, setting our bar high. Let’s make sure that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are heard, and have a chance to build sustainable communities (and futures!) together.