[chsh]

I'll preface this by saying I agree with everyone having the right to vote, as well as the right to not vote. Currently to my knowledge there have been only recommendations to append a ballot declination rule to the Elections Act. I would be fully in favour of having an extra box ("Decline Ballot") on the ballot. Here in Ontario, we do have the option of declining the ballot when we vote, and I'm aware of a couple of other provinces who do as well.

Just a brainstorming thread, but in the future, how would you like to see people encouraged/required to vote? Voter turnout is always low. It's like people don't actually care who runs the country anymore. How do we fix this? How do we encourage people to vote?

The two ideas I've heard most often:
- Make voting compulsory, fining people if they don't vote.
- Make it easier for people to vote -- either electronically, by phone, etc... Generally just remove the "hassle" of going to a polling station.

What about a frequent voter's card? 10% off your taxes if you vote in 4 consecutive federal elections?

What are your ideas?

[OnTheIce]

The only way is to bring back honesty and integrity to politcal office.

If you want to ensure that, enact laws or penalties to politicians who promise the World and deliver nothing.

People don't vote because they think they're all the same. "They're all liars". "It doesn't matter who I vote for, they're not going to do what they said".

[hamiltonguyo]

Orange Juice and Cookies? works for blood donations....

[Blue_Nose]

OnTheIce OnTheIce:

The only way is to bring back honesty and integrity to politcal office.

I think that is correct, but it should be mainly focused on the election process. As I mentioned in another thread, millions of dollars are spent on campaigns, but you can't really trust any of it.

I think more accessibility to objective campaign analysis is an order. If you're not interested in politics in general, you don't want to spent a lot of time doing your own personal research.

[Blue_Nose]

One other possibility would be to make election day a statutory holiday... make an event out of it, like Canada Day. Have public discussions, food, music... make it fun and interesting. You'd also likely expose a lot of people to the things that make others so interested in following politics, making them more inclined to continue participating in politics in between elections.

[Tricks]

Blue_Nose Blue_Nose:

One other possibility would be to make election day a statutory holiday... make an event out of it, like Canada Day. Have public discussions, food, music... make it fun and interesting. You'd also likely expose a lot of people to the things that make others so interested in following politics, making them more inclined to continue participating in politics in between elections.

Thats a good idea

[hamiltonguyo]

set assided time on the canadian television and radio stations specifically for Canadian election coverage sent by the parties all at the same times. During these times black out the american stations so Canadians have to absorb election discoussion.

[Blue_Nose]

lily lily:

Sure it is. Make voting day a stat and we'd all vote strategically to form minority governments as often as possible.

I suppose it should be coupled with a fixed term reformation, if that would be a concern...

[hamiltonguyo]

alternate voting....no votes are wasted

[Blue_Nose]

lily lily:

It's already pretty easy to vote. 12 hours are set aside, as well as a few days for advance polling.

I figured the reasoning behind the holiday wouldn't necessarily be to give people the time, but to make it something that more people would want to do. If all people see is some cardboard voting booths and bored volunteers, it doesn't make you want to go back.

Imagine a whole day of debates (some between candidates, others between citizens), lectures, live music... I would personally be a lot more interested in being involved in that.

[Banff]

pay them off duh

[SireJoe]

I certainly would not want compulsary voting. There is just something about the idea of MAKING people vote that doesnt make me WANT to vote. It should be based on your own judgement not on the law that you are forced to obey. I already get fined for speeding I dont need anymore crap

The stat hoiliday idea would be interesting. It would certainly give people an opportunity to get thier vote on. And not have an excuse as to why they didnt go out and cast thiers.

I can certainly say that a new voting system to make more peoples voices heard in a broader sense is a fantastic idea that I would LOVE to see that occur. Better representation should certainly mean more interested voters.

Oh, how about lowering the voting age to 10? That might get few more uninformed people into the polling stations J/K We have enough of those silly gooses.

[Banff]

ya just think 10 year olds would do it for a slurpee and bag of chips

[Tricks]

SireJoe SireJoe:

That might get few more uninformed people into the polling stations J/K We have enough of those silly gooses.

Yeah tell me about it, damn liberal/NDP/Bloc

[SireJoe]

No no, I said UNINFORMED not correct. See? It's misreading like that that gets everyone in trouble.