Waterloo Region Record

Perhaps it’s time to bring in mandatory voting rules

Re: Few people under 40 voted in the recent Waterloo election — Jan. 23

I have always adhered to the notion that you get the government you deserve.

Sadly, in this day and age too often does the sizzle outweigh the substance.

That is very clear with our provincial government that rules with reckless impunity. Clearly people got fooled. And deceived — remember Premier Doug Ford’s promise that the Greenbelt would not be touched?

To miscast one’s vote is one thing, but to not vote simply strips one of any right to be upset by what our bull-in-a-china-shop premier is wreaking upon us all.

We all too often hear that we must make today’s choices for the sake of the future of our children and grandchildren. However, if they won’t help themselves, they will indeed get the government they deserve.

The recent story by Jeff Outhit on the low numbers of voters under 40 in the recent municipal elections raises concern that the same problem exists in federal and provincial elections, as well.

I do wonder if mandatory voting might spur this under-40 group to at least form a basic understanding of which party best represents their personal values and beliefs. Food for serious thought. David Ottenbrite Cambridge

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2023-01-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://waterloorecord.pressreader.com/article/281651079238521

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