Despite a disappointingly low turnout at its meeting in North York earlier this week, members of the Better Ballots group have a number of worthwhile points that Toronto residents should consider.
Clearly, something is needed to increase voter interest in municipal elections. Toronto saw a sad turnout of about 41 per cent in the 2006 municipal election. Those are numbers that should not only be embarrassing to residents, but should also raise alarm bells about just how few people are actually deciding who will serve in Canada's fourth-largest government.On average, according to Better Ballots, Toronto municipal elections draw about 40 per cent voter turnout.A number of factors are cited for the city's poor voter turnout municipally. One of the keys is the apparent belief among voters that incumbent councillors can't be beat. This is not true as there are cases where it does happen, but it usually involves the sitting councillor doing something so outrageous he or she sparks the voters to anger against them. And protest votes are not really the best way to elect a government.In Toronto, there are far too many councillors who have made municipal politics a life-long career. We don't believe the public is well served by such a situation. It breeds cynicism among voters and a sense of entitlement among politicians.In a city as diverse and rapidly changing as Toronto, it has also led to a situation where the council in many ways is not an accurate reflection of the city it serves.Better Ballots has a great suggestion to deal with this concern; and also spark voter interest. It's called term limits.They have them in New York City and Los Angeles, and in Toronto's case would certainly help bring some fresh faces, and ideas, to council. It's an idea worth exploring.As Rob Newman, spokesperson for the North York Better Ballots group told Toronto Community News, the idea of term limits is a North American idea. After all, the president of the United States can only serve two terms. "This isn't just some European thing," Newman said.Other Better Ballot proposals worthy of discussion, though not necessarily implementation, are lowering the voting age to 16 and extending the vote to permanent residents.Democracy, of course, is messy by its nature. The only thing might actually kill it is disinterest. Kudos to Better Ballots for caring.Residents who want to learn more about Better Ballots can attend meetings on April 20 at the Scarborough Civic Centre, April 26 at city hall and April 27 at the Etobicoke Civic Centre. All meetings start at 7 p.m.