Re: Voting holds powerful significance, Editorial (April 18)
You and other editors lament the low voter turnout in our federal and provincial elections.
You think voters don’t realize how important their vote is and what a privilege it is to be able to vote.
It seems to me that the voters are not the problem. They have every reason to be apathetic and cynical.
It is the politicians that are destroying the democratic process. It starts with the nomination papers. Only those who won’t make waves and stick to the party line will get the nod, regardless of who the voters in any riding may prefer.
Once elected, many treat the voters with condescension bordering on contempt.
You suggest that voters learn all about the individual candidates, the party policies and their promises.
However, we know from past experience that what they promise or talk about before the election may be totally different from what they do afterwards.
Moreover, some politicians change from one party to another when they feel they have a better chance to get elected. So much for principle and honesty!
On what basis do I make my choice?
Hartmut Schmid,
Hope