Yarmouth hosting public session on ways to increase voter turnout

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Yarmouth-area residents will have a chance to help build a stronger, more representative government through a public consultation session.

The meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. at the Rodd Grand, 417 Main St.

The Select Committee on Participation in the Democratic Process will gather feedback to help recommend ways to reverse the trend of fewer Nova Scotians voting in elections.

Michel Samson, chair of the all-party committee, said it is important that feedback is collected from a wide cross-section of the province.

"This is a chance for people in the Yarmouth-area to have their say and offer input on how to increase the number of people who vote," he said. "Participation in the democratic process is a cornerstone of a strong government and, on the heels of federal and municipal elections, it is the perfect time to collect opinions and thoughts from people in all walks of life."

The committee, introduced by a resolution during the 2006 fall sitting of the House of Assembly, includes vice-chairs Mark Parent and Maureen MacDonald as well as Pat Dunn, Keith Bain, Graham Steele, Charlie Parker, H. David Wilson and Harold (Junior) Theriault.

Nova Scotians interested in making a presentation at the meeting should call toll-free 1-888-388-6489. Presenters with special needs, or who wish to present in French, must give one week's notice and include their requirements in a message.

Written submissions will also be accepted and should be filed with the committee no later than Friday, Nov. 7. Submissions will be accepted by:

-- Fax: 1-902-424-0513

-- Mail: c/o Legislative Committees Office, P.O. Box 2630, Station M, Halifax,

N.S., B3J 3N5

-- E-mail: legcomm@gov.ns.ca

Additional meetings will be held in Antigonish, Truro, Amherst, Cape Breton, Bridgewater, Kentville and Halifax. Background information is available on the government website at www.gov.ns.ca .