OrilliaMatters received the following letter from Make Every Vote Count, reminding Orillians that 60 per cent of eligible voters did not cast a ballot in the 2014 municipal election and urging people to vote in this year's election.
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Is our Canadian democracy in trouble?
Do the people of Orillia and area remember that taking the time to cast their votes in the upcoming election is really important in a democratic society?
In the municipal election of 2014, only 40 per cent of eligible Orillians actually voted for mayor, council, and school board reps.
Yet these are the people who are responsible for the services that people depend on daily: good roads, water and sewage treatment, snow-plowing and removal, bus service, our local schools—not to mention the many ways in which the city council supports a vibrant downtown. A downtown that provides jobs for Orillians.
The danger in 2018 is that people will make assumptions about the election. “Oh, so-and-so will win the Mayor’s job” or “You-know-who will win in Ward 1.” “So why should I bother to vote?”
Why vote? To make sure your choice is recorded. To make sure that the elected City Council has the strong mandate that comes from a strong turnout of voters. And yes, to take your democratic responsibilities seriously—serving as an example to your family and friends in doing so.
On October 23, the day AFTER the election, we hope a substantial MAJORITY of Orillia and area voters can stand up and say, “I VOTED". This will give the elected council a strong mandate for the next four years, confident that they have the support of most citizens.
Advance polls are now open for you to cast your vote for the councillors and mayoral candidate of your choice. Advance polls will be open at City Hall on October 10, 12, 16 and 18—and, of course, voting day is Monday, October 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Please take time to vote for the Orillia Council and School Board rep that YOU want.
Fred Larsen
Valerie Powell
(Make Every Vote Count, a multi-party group that advocates to improve democracy in Canada)
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