In the last two months in Ontario there has been a provincial election and a municipal one. Voter turnout in each continued to decline from previous elections.

Voter apathy is a problem at all three levels of government – federal, provincial and municipal. Federal turnout peaked in the 1950’s while provincially the peak came in the 60’s. At the municipal level voter participation has always been low – usually around 30%.

In Australia it is against the law not to vote. Canada has no such law.

In the U.S., Norman Lear of TV fame has a new voting initiative called “Declare Yourself”. His target group is young adults 18 – 24 years of age. In 1972 50% of this age group voted but by 1996 that figure had dropped to 32%.

Here in Canada similar programs are starting. Next year we should see a federal election. What can Zonta Clubs do to encourage more voter participation?

C.E. Deckert email: cedeckert@bellnet.ca
Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo fax: 1-800-986-0333
Co-Chair LAA District 4