Newmarket mayoral, regional councillor candidates offer ideas for improving voter turnout

YorkRegion.com
Oct. 17, 2014
Chris Simon

From lowering the voting age to the introduction of a student mayor, Newmarket mayoral and regional councillor candidates have a few thoughts on increasing engagement in the political process.

In 2010, about 32.6 per cent of voters cast ballots in Newmarket — far below the 49.1 per cent provincial weighted average highlighted in an in-depth AMCTO (Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario) report released in 2011.

It’s clear local elected officials have an obligation to better engage residents and perhaps that can be accomplished through a higher degree of transparency, openness and positive campaigning, mayoral candidate Chris Campbell said.

“There’s a great degree of cynicism right now,” he said. “It’s about behaviour and ethics and the perception some politicians are using their place in government to further their own personal interests. People say they’re all the same. The lifeblood at this level is people. It’s their community. We’re not tapping into the potential of a lot of individuals. If we have two-way communication with people, they’ll feel elected representatives are there for the community.”

All levels of government can do a better job of getting young residents interested in the political system, mayoral candidate Dorian Baxter said, noting teenagers have a natural enthusiasm and willingness to make a difference. The government needs to capitalize on that by lowering the voting age from 18 to 16, he said.

“If we’re going to allow 16-year-olds to drive a car, we should be getting them interested (in politics) at an early level,” Baxter, a former teacher, said. “They can manipulate a vehicle that could kill somebody, but we don’t consider them important enough to vote. When an adolescent is 15 or 16, they’re at a point where they have an interest. It would be a huge catalyst. Kids at that age are really ready to vote. At 17 or 18, it’s almost not cool.”

Older teenagers often feel disenfranchised by government and the people in power, he said.

Others suggest residents need to take advantage of a quality crop of candidates who represent a variety of viewpoints this year.

“It’s a matter of transitioning from that small town, Old Boys Club mentality to the fact we’re a serious urban centre,” regional councillor candidate Darryl Wolk said. “You have competitive candidates talking about the issues and having clear differences. (It) generates a race where people have a choice. There’s good quality people running.”

Newmarket has attempted to address low voter turnout over the last decade through the establishment of a task force, the hiring of an election strategy co-ordinator and the introduction of youth voting and outreach programs. This year, Newmarket’s Vote 2014 team attended a variety of community events, handing out information and speaking to voters.

Despite previous efforts, turnout has hovered between 31 and 35 per cent in each of the last three municipal elections.

Mayor Tony Van Bynen wants to implement a student mayor program to help kids learn about the town. Student debates, councillor job shadowing and other initiatives aimed at young residents could also help build interest.

“It’s a dilemma that’s existed for a long time,” he said. “People have busy lives. They end up making family activities a priority, but if you don’t get involved in politics, you’re bound to be governed by those who do. It has to go through our youths.”

Residents also need to take it upon themselves to fulfill their societal obligations and vote, Regional Councillor John Taylor said.

“Some will say it’s because of unethical politicians or corruption that nobody votes, but why do some countries with significant problems like that have turnout of 80 or 90 per cent?” he said. “We need to stop making excuses and start putting it back as a responsibility and expectation. Let’s talk about how our uncles, grandfathers, aunts and grandmothers died for the right to vote. Maybe a little guilt associated with not voting is a good thing.”