In our view: Decisions made Monday will shape future

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

speakup

The ability to make a formal expression of choice or opinion is fundamental to our system of democracy.

It is a right that many people have sacrificed much for - both at home and abroad during various wars and conflicts.

That's why it is important to exercise our democratic right on Monday to vote.

What's at stake?

The election of mayors and councillors across the province, as well as positions on district education councils.

These are the people we'll be entrusting to make important decisions over the next four years - decisions that could have a significant impact on our lives.

If people opt not to vote, a rare opportunity to make a difference, when it counts the most, will have been lost.

In Fredericton four years ago, voter turnout was 44.8 per cent with overall turnout in New Brunswick 46.01 per cent. These figures can be improved upon.

The good news is that more than one-third of New Brunswick municipalities holding elections in 2004 saw turnouts above 60 per cent.

There are 1,063 individuals running for municipal council positions, compared to 989 in 2004. A total of 165 people are offering for the district education councils, compared to 151 in 2004.

It is encouraging to see that the number of women running for elected office is also on the rise in New Brunswick.

At the close of nominations last month, 339 women had filed papers to run for municipal or education council positions, including 30 seeking mayoral posts. While it marks an increase from the total of 271 female candidates in 2004, it is still below the 889 men who are seeking positions in the May 12 elections.

"At least it's a step in the right direction," said Rosella Melanson, executive director of the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women. "It's a good jump forward. A couple more of these types of jumps and we'd be at the critical mass."

We share the enthusiasm of New Brunswick's chief electoral officer Michael Quinn who, in welcoming the changing demographics, said local government is often the entry point for individuals who have aspirations for a career in provincial or federal politics.

If that's the case, we may soon see more women offering for office on both levels.

But none of this will happen if people choose not to vote.