In the recent municipal election held in Welland, Ontario there were 38,957 registered voters entitled to exercise their rights to vote. When all of the votes were in and tabulated the figures showed out of 38,957 eligible voters only 15,845 of those eligible voters saw fit to exercise their rights in this democratic country with no fear of reprisal. Those who did not vote amounted to 23,112, 50 % more then the registered figure.
As stated, we live in a democratic country that allows each and every one of us the right to vote for who ever we see fit. Canada is the envy of many countries through out the world where the people live in fear for their lives on a daily basis and are not allowed a free vote with out reprisal.
When I look at the number of Wellanders that did not vote I have to wonder how many were women who obtained the right to vote in 1917 and the right to hold office in a municipal election in Ontario in 1919. In this recent election in Welland, Ontario 7 women ran for city council and only one was elected out of those 7. Those 7 ladies received the low sum of 4597 votes out of the 15,845 who turned out to vote. The question to be asked is how many of those 4597 votes were cast by women and how many by the men?
Let's face the fact the election turnout was pathetic. All of those men and women from the past who fought for the right to vote must be turning over in their graves realizing their hard fought efforts for change were for naught.
I sincerely hope those 23,112 who did not vote don't
have the gall to question and complain about how the city is run by the new mayor and council over the next 4 years.
The Charter of Rights stipulates very clearly a guarantee of freedom of expression and opinion. I sincerely hope those who did not vote try to exercise those rights.
1 comment:
Don...Let's not forget the ones that never received cards to remind them to vote. Using old MPAC records to establish a list of voters was a total mess...as a large number of Wellanders do not own homes. e.g. Renters & Seniors.
Voters from four plexes were completely missed with the out of town owner listed as the only voter out of that building. My own daughters were listed out of my address as well as listed to vote in their wards. Heck they moved out 12 years ago?? These voting cards are sent for a reason- to remind and assist eligible voters so if you didn't even get one - most would say "why bother"
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