Close to one-third of eligible voters in Canada did not cast ballots in the April 28 federal election.
The turnout in that election was 19,597,674 of 28,525,638 registered electors, or 68.7 per cent. Around nine million people did not vote.
Put another way, those who did not cast ballots were more numerous than those who voted for any of the parties listed. If even half these people had voted, they could have altered the results of the election.
In the weeks leading up to the election, there was a lot of interest in the outcome, with some stating that it was the most important Canadian federal election in anyone鈥檚 living memory. International relations with the United States were top of mind for many voters. This included the tariff war and repeated statements by the U.S. president, threatening to annex Canada.
The cost of living, especially rising housing prices, was another concerning issue.
Health care was considered a top issue by many voters as well.
Big issues should prompt all Canadians to take an interest in the democratic process. And while voter participation was considerably higher than the 62.3 per cent who voted in the 2021 federal election, the turnout was still less than stellar.
Voter turnout in Canada has traditionally been higher than it was in the most recent election.
Since 1867, an average of 70.5 per cent of eligible voters have cast ballots, and in the late 1950s and early 1960s, that figure came close to 80 per cent of those eligible.
The last time a Canadian election has had more than 70 per cent voter turnout was in 1993. Since then, the figure dropped to 58.8 per cent in the 2008 election, and while it has rebounded, it remains lower than in the 1970s and earlier.
It is unfair to suggest all those who did not vote were apathetic or lazy. Some may have been unavailable to vote, or too sick, and some may have chosen not to vote for reasons of conscience. Under Canada鈥檚 democratic system, people have the right to vote, and also the right not to vote.
Still, when close to one-third of eligible voters do not participate in the electoral process, this number is cause for concern as a democracy is only as healthy as its participation.
Something has to change.
People have the right to choose the government they want, to lead this country through some challenging times.
The public has a voice through the electoral process. Passing on the opportunity to vote weakens this voice.
鈥� Black Press
