Dear Editor, Our Federal election is over, a winner declared and accepted. Unfortunately, we'll never know the true result of this election. Some Canadians, were deprived the opportunity, to cast their. vote. It seems, that in the northern region of Quebec, the planning, and effort put forth, ensuring that the residents of Nunavik, have polling […]
Dear Editor,
Our Federal election is over, a winner declared and accepted. Unfortunately, we'll never know the true result of this election. Some Canadians, were deprived the opportunity, to cast their. vote.
It seems, that in the northern region of Quebec, the planning, and effort put forth, ensuring that the residents of Nunavik, have polling stations ready and open, during specified hours, is inefficient. Seemingly, the uncertainty of the weather, and assuring there will be teams of workers,, ready to staff each site, lack importance.
In this Federal election, there were five Nunavik communities, where voters found a polling station "closed" at 2:30 in the afternoon, and others, which hadn't opened at all, due to bad weather, or no workers to staff them.
Elections Canada's explanation for this; Bad weather kept workers from being flown in. Harsh weather, affected the operation of sites. They hadn't been able to recruit local teams, to staff some sites.
Those voters in Nunavik, have no recourse. There is no "do-over." Their voices were not heard.
I think it's common knowledge, that Canada's northern communities face difficulties, both geographically, and weather-related. Past elections,, must have faced these same challenges, so why aren't they factored into their preparations? Is it fair to those Northern inhabitants, to just say "Oh well, better luck next time," and leave it at that? Don't their voices matter? Every Canadian of voting age, has the "right" to be heard.
There need to be exceptions, for the people of Nunavik, and similar communities, where weather conditions can be critical. Perhaps, allow more days, and flexible hours, leading up to the day. Mobile voting stations, instead of static sites. Teams trained sooner, paid more, and getting them in place. "Fly-in" teams, should be there, in advance.
No matter how unconventional the methods might be, every effort needs to be made, to ensure that all Canadians can exercise their right, to vote. To deny them that, is unconstitutional.
