So, as many of you probably know, the municipal elections are right around the corner. Nomination day is just under a week away – by then we will know for sure which electoral races we'll see in the region.
I am writing this to encourage all eligible voters to go out to the polls and cast a ballot. Being only 23 years old, I was able to vote in the last federal, provincial and municipal elections as a first time voter. I remember being quite proud to go out and have a say in who gets to run my country, province and town and I feel you should be too.
In my mind, the right to vote is the most important right and responsibility citizens have; yet only half of us actually choose to embrace it.
I've only been here just short of five months and I can already tell that Bonnyville and the surrounding area is growing and expanding and things are changing. The next four years should be a busy and important time for this region. As the population grows, the councilors and officials in charge will get more and more money to help shape the community.
Wouldn't you want to have a say in who exactly is spending those millions every year?
People care about their community and will complain to no end about what needs to be done; yet half care enough to cast their vote.
In 2010, only 48.6 per cent of eligible voters chose to vote in the MD election. Turnout was worse in Cold Lake, with a measly 27.5 per cent of citizens voting. In the last municipal election in Bonnyville all positions on council were acclaimed. The previous election in 2007 saw only 584 people choosing to vote in Bonnyville.
Part of the problem can be a lack of information on how to vote or even knowing if you are even eligible to vote.
I myself was unsure about my voting eligibility here in Bonnyville, but I took some time and looked it up.
Even though I have only lived here a short while, it appears as though I am eligible to vote here. I have found no specific time frame a person has to have lived in municipality before being able to vote – just that any renter or owner who has a permanent residence in a town, city or municipality is able to vote there.
I would urge anyone who is unsure about their voting eligibility or is confused about the voting process to go online and look it up or pick up the phone and call. There are people willing to help you out.
Don't fool yourself with excuses as to why you can't vote. Get informed and go out and vote. If you plan on living in this community as it grows, this election will be important in shaping its future.
So, on Oct. 21 please visit the polls and cast your vote.
