GREENSTONE – After a devastating voter turnout in the recent provincial elections, many community members across the north are left questioning how to encourage people to vote.
In Thunder Bay-Superior North, 24,631 of the 57,590 registered voters went to the polls in the provincial election, which made up a 42.77 per cent turnout rate.
“All different heads of the same snake. They all make promises they never keep and spend money they/we don't have (we end up paying for it anyway) under the guise of "making things better". No wonder people are losing faith in the system,” commented Teresa Davis on a Facebook.
Jason Train also commented, “SPEAKS to the number of people, of those eligible to vote, that feel they really do not have a voice.”
Considering the vastness of the regions, these numbers are startling and may affect the upcoming municipal election if voters are feeling underrepresented.
So, what can be done to increase the voter turnout in the municipal elections this October?
Greenstone’s mayor Renald Beauileu says“We need people to be involved. We need people who want to sit on the council and represent their communities and represent the people that they live with. I think it’s important to get the new blood in there.”
“The new blood,” which Beauileu might be referring to someone younger and fuelled with a passion to make a difference in their community.
However, this may also turn off voters at the poll if they feel that the candidates are inexperienced to take on the responsibilities of municipal government.
Regardless, those who are interested in politics don’t need to start at the top. Greenstone’s municipality represents six wards in their district, with many councillors and school board trustee positions still available for nomination.
In early May, Greenstone set their nomination period for the upcoming municipal elections.
So far, only counc. James McPherson from Longlac ward has submitted his nomination for Mayor of Greenstone. Lillian McPherson submitted her nomination for School Board Trustee in Rural East and Longlac ward.
With the final deadline set for Aug, 19 there is still time to decide if the council is the right fix for residents; however, it’s a decision that must be made before it’s too late.
