Taking Action to Increase Election Voter Turnout

Dear Editor,

Clearly lots of work went into planning, preparing and delivering a local election that met all requirements in conducting such an important event for our democracy. As was highlighted, 35,093 ballots were cast in the 2022 Richmond Local Election representing a 24.4% voter turnout. Likely not the lowest voter turnout, according to recent previous elections, yet a disturbing trend: 2018 = 36.5%, 2014 = 31.3%, 2011 = 26.4%,  and 2008 = 23.1%.

According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, "higher voter turnout is in most cases a sign of the vitality of democracy, while lower turnout is usually associated with voter apathy and mistrust of the political process." Yet they also suggest voters may instead of voting, be simply switching to other forms of direct and indirect participation: "we have seen a rise in other forms of citizen activism, such as mass protests, occupy movements and increased use of social media as a new platform of political engagement". 

City Council has a key role in shifting this voter turnout trend in a more positive direction. They can choose to look away and just accept it as the status quo, here and regionally, or can choose to lead Richmond froward as a progressive local government seeking to ensure every vote counts. 

While there may be many reasons why voter turnout is declining, before the City jumps to conclusions based on superficial, simple and potentially inaccurate causes, the most important action the City can take now is to engage in conducting a comprehensive survey of residents to provide facts and insights into why voters did and did not vote. We simply don't know what we don't know about the multitude of reasons motivating residents to vote or not. This research will provide important data to base future decisions and changes on, including where to focus expenditures and staff effort to address the real causes of this trend.

A few potential options for consideration, in no particular order, could include:

• allowing candidates to post a short video along with their profile on the City of Richmond website during the election period

• collaborate with Fair Vote Canada, local government coordinator to learn about ongoing research and progressive voting system ideas

• collaborate with the School District to ensure first-time voters participate, maybe through with mobile polling at high schools, which can help establish a life-long habit in younger voters

• establish a local Citizen's Assembly to research, investigate, and report back to City Council with recommendations

• ensuring 'get out the vote' staff or volunteers are present at major public events during the election 

• reduce local restrictions on advertising during elections to enhance the ability of candidates to communicate and connect with potential voters

  
  

I trust and appreciate that the City will do their research to make some in informed decisions in the months ahead that will increase voter turnout for the next election, strengthening our democracy and protecting our institutions for generations to come. 

Jerome Dickey