Voting....Right or Responsibility?

I was very disappointed when I heard the percentage of Nova Scotians that voted in this election. The first thing that came to mind was don't people care about their province and what happens here. I understand that people in Nova Scotia are tired of going back to the polls every few years but that's the way things work. We can't just stop caring. I will be honest and say that when the election was called my first thought was not to bother voting this election but then I wanted my voice to be heard and I went to vote.

I remember people used to say that when we turned 18 we have the right to vote. I think it should go further and we should be saying we have a responsibilty to vote. As Nova Scotian's we should support our province and support all the other Nova Scotians who live here by voting. A strong voter turnout means a strong voice in Nova Scotia. It tells the government that we are here and we are watching and listening and paying attention therefore they better do their job right. If I was voted into a position by 95% of the people I would be more apt to work harder than if I was voted in by 45% because then I would realize that 95% of the people would be on my ass if I didn't do the job right. I would also know that the next time I may not get their vote. I sure wouldn't want to face a 95% population of angry people.

It's sad that people feel it doesn't do any good to vote anymore. People say the government doesn't listen to the people. It's probably true too but I believe it's because of us that the government doesn't listen. Weak voter turnout does not make us strong. We are the voice, we are the ones who elect these people to govern us and we should make our voices heard when the government does there own thing. As a strong province we can make a difference because we can make sure our voices are heard loud and clear. Not voting is not the answer to Nova Scotia. We need more voices not less.

Again I will state my disappointment on the voter turnout this year. I hope that as a province we can withstand people's indifference.

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Permalink Reply by ryan cameron on June 11, 2009 at 3:20pm: Its not just voting that is a responsibility, it is being informed. The internet makes it easier than ever to be informed about candidates as I proved in my campaign. By simply providing daily updates about where I stood, what I was doing etc. people had full access to what I was all about. On top of that, candidates go door to door visiting most of the homes in the region (except for me) and making sure that even people who dont have access to or interest in the internet can know where they stand.

I don't think political parties could make it much easier for people to get informed about what the issues are and where they stand.

The problem here is, its one thing to make it a legal requirement for citizenship to vote, its quite another to make it a legal requirement to be an informed voter. I've often thought that voting should be mandatory, but forcing someone to get to some level of "informedness" seems like a violation of their personal freedom. People are free to be "ignorant" because it gets really sticky when one group gets to decide what exactly constitutes "ignorance".

Its easy to say "voting should be mandatory" but a bunch of forced votes cast by apathetic people doesnt really get us any further ahead than a bunch of no shows.

If we look at it from the other perspective, perhaps making mandatory practices by governments to decrease voter apathy would be a better approach. I suggest greater accountability for leaders who betray the public trust. People who are paid tax dollars to do their jobs should be much more transparent about how those dollars are being spent. A daily blog helps this. Give people the opportunity to engage their leaders publicly more often well outside of an election with online forums and social networking tools. - uncensored so they really feel they can be honest and be heard. Cut election budgets and funds by a factor of 1000. Instead of buying ads, parties should do things that are newsworthy so they get reported on! How much more effective is it if you read a story about a politician who did some good and newsworthy for the public instead of just a paid ad. There are many things politicians could be doing to compel constituents to the polls. Honesty and transparency are only the beginnings.

Ryan Cameron
www.voteforryancameron.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Bruce on June 11, 2009 at 5:25pm: Thanks for the comments Ryan.

I don't feel that it should be "mandatory" to vote as you say but I would like to see more Nova Scotians care enough to feel it is their responsibility to vote. Responsible because then it makes the voice stronger and therefore can force the government to be accountable.

You talk about being "informed" and I think it doesn't come down to being informed either. We all know we can become informed through various avenues but being informed doesn't help when we don't believe what we see or hear. I don't think many Nova Scotians have become "ignorant" . I believe they are just tired of it all and have lost faith in any government at all.

I did liked your last parargraph though and I agree to your suggestion of greater accountability for leaders who betray the public trust. A daily blog is also a great idea. - and it should be uncensored so that people can really be honest and be heard.; ▶ Reply to This