The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is hoping to get more people to the polls this election.
Over the past two elections only 20 per cent of eligible citizens voted.
Judy Garber, an associate political science professor with the University of Alberta believes that voter turnout in municipal elections across Canada is low because people take for granted what local governments do.
“What local governments do doesn’t seem as plugged in to ones ideology and belief system as politics at a provincial or national level,” said Garber. “Local governments don’t have a huge amount of control over tax rates, so that is the kind of thing that can get voters to the polls. I think in general, people kind of take for granted that a lot of their daily interactions with government comes via the services local governments deliver and the infrastructure local governments provide.”
Adam Hardiman, a strategist with Communications and Stakeholder Relations with the RMWB told MyMcMurray that they are running a robust engagement campaign.
“You probably notice the colour yellow out there quite a bit in our advertising we want to make sure people know about their opportunity to vote. We’re calling it ‘Your Community, Your Vote’ because it’s exactly that,” said Hardiman.
Garber added that voting is important to hold elected officials and candidates accountable.
“Politicians can get complacent, if voters are not actively seeking the elected officials and candidate’s views, if they’re not actively holding elected officials to account. What you don’t want is complacent officials who are re-elected and re-elected, which tends to happen at the local level,” said Garber.
The RMWB will elect a new mayor for the first time in 13 years and major changes are expected in the region with Bill 21, low oil prices and the rebuild.
“It is an important time in our community and we are encouraging everyone in the community to get out and vote. Learn about the candidates, learn where you can vote and your ID requirements. We all love the Wood Buffalo region and this is a way you can participate in making it a better place,” said Hardiman.
Election Day is Oct. 16.
