Civic Election 2009

Another three year term is over for our mayor, municipal councilors, and school board trustees. It is time for us as citizens to exercise our right to vote. The sad reality is that in the past four elections an average of over two-thirds of Reginans chose not to participate. In the 2006 civic election 36% of eligible voters voted. In 2003, voter turnout was 24.9% - most likely due to the fact that Pat Fiacco was voted in by acclamation. 38% turned out to mark an X as Fiacco challenged Doug Archer for his job in 2000. Only 25% of voters came out in 1997. Voter turnout increases when the position of mayor is contended and this year three individuals are vying for the job.

Why is voter turnout at the municipal level drastically low? 1. My vote really doesn't count. If every person thinking this question voted who knows what the results would have been. Over 82,000 eligible individuals did not vote in 2006; nearly double the 42,000 citizens which did vote. Do you not think the outcome would have been different if they had voted? 2. I don't care about city politics. Have you ever complained about construction zones, property taxes, public transit, garbage collection, crime, snow removal, school closures (that's me)... Your voice makes a difference and council will act accordingly if electors raise valid concerns and lobby. 3. It is just a civic election, it doesn't really matter who runs the city. Do you have vision of what you want your city to be like? Perhaps more green space, clear sidewalks in the winter, or a cleaner city. There are candidates who share your vision and they are counting on your support. 4. access to polls: Technology has improved the methods in which we vote. Citizens can now vote in person, on-line, by mail, or by phone. Mobile polls are available for people with disabilities. Advanced polls allow us to vote prior to election day if need be.

Top four reasons to vote: 1. Millions of people worldwide have no say.* We take our right to vote for granted. In some areas of the world people are fighting for such rights. Women in western nations haven't even been voting for one hundred years; Aboriginal women less than sixty years. Voting was even a privilege for men in the late 19th century as only those with property were permitted to vote. 2. It is your say, your time, your opportunity. This is the day we as citizens are given to scrutinize city council. Did they work with dedication and passion at their job? Did they keep their last election promises? We have the ability to say yes or no to the next three years. 3. A way to improve or change our city. We can all point out aspects of our city we don't like or agree with. By voting we give permission to those we elect to represent us and our concerns. 4. We must set an example for younger generations. "Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate." Children frequently do what they see their parents, and other adult role models, doing.

Please mark Wednesday, October 28th on your calendar. In the next three weeks research your candidates, ask them questions, listen to debates, and find your polling station. On election day you will vote with confidence knowing you made an informed decision and exercised your right.

Visit www.regina.ca for all voting information.

*This map is based on civil and political rights and not entirely on the right to vote. However, it gives the reader an idea of where voter rights are lacking in the world.