No time for apathy

It seems everyone likes to complain when it comes to politics, but does everyone have the right?

Voter turnout is in decline for elections at all three levels of government in our country, especially the municipal level. Things seemed a little better in 2004 when a provincial Sunday shopping plebiscite question was included with the municipal vote, but what will capture public interest in 2008?

It seems a lack of interest is the most common reason why electors decide not to vote in municipal elections, at least according to a recent article on voter turnout by Joseph Kushner and David Siegel entitled, “Why Don’t Electors Vote in Municipal Elections?” that appeared in Municipal World magazine. As part of a telephone survey, electors, both voters and non-voters, were asked why some people don’t vote during municipal elections.

The most frequently cited reasons for not voting included apathy, lack of information, the meaninglessness of the vote, and electors being lazy. When non-voters were asked why they personally did not vote, the most frequently cited reasons were that they were too busy, polling station problems and non-trustworthy candidates.

You’ve probably heard people say that if you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain about government. We agree.

For example, any public hearing on a controversial topic is sure to draw a crowd in Kings County and you’re sure to hear lots of opinions and complaints. Did each and every one of these people take the time to vote in the last election? Highly unlikely. Did each offer to run as a candidate? Not a chance.

However, there is something about the controversial issue that individuals feel affects him or her. Why else would anyone bother to take the time to make sure an opinion is heard?

The point is every day is like a controversial public hearing when it comes to municipal government. Issues that affect every resident of the municipality are at play and most people are oblivious. Why is there so much apathy and disinterest?

There will no doubt be a full slate of candidates come this fall, but how well informed are they? Why don’t prospective candidates regularly attend council meetings to prepare? Are they single-issue candidates with little else to offer?

We believe the County of Kings deserves credit when it comes to addressing apathy surrounding the upcoming election and promoting inclusion. One very positive move is the decision to hold information sessions for potential candidates so people are aware of what it means to be a councillor. These sessions will no doubt be eye-openers for people who don’t realize how involved municipal politics is in our area. They take place on Wednesday, May 28 at 7 p.m. at the county council chambers in the Municipal Complex in Kentville and on Thursday, June 5 at 7 p.m. at the Aylesford Fire Hall.

We think everyone who feels they have something to offer their community, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, should consider running for office in the 2008 municipal election. If not that, at least vote. Then you might just have a leg to stand on when it comes time to complain about something you don’t like.