Introduction
Each country in the world is governed by leaders. These leaders in most cases, that is, democratic countries are normally chosen by the populace. This in essence is the electorate. This process is a very important process in such countries (Dornan & Jon, 2004). In addition, it is important to mention the fact that this process requires one to be set to work towards attaining given standards in order to ensure that every participant is contented with the results. It is on this basis that governments enact laws that govern the election process.
In Canada, the election process is governed by Election Canada. This is an organization that is set up to ensure that the standards which are recommended for the election procedure are realized (Youniss & Levine, 2009). Among the role of Elections Canada are enumerated under the Elections Boundaries Readjustment Act. In essence, Elections Canada provides support is an agency that is set up to conduct and supervise federal elections in Canada.
Elections Canada Probes Thunder Bay Call Centre
The issue in this article is about the electioneering process. In this case, Elections Canada has been prompted to carry out an investigation about the misleading calls which were made during May’s election. This has brought to the fore the events which took place after interviews were carried out to try and establish exactly what happened during that time (Youniss & Levine, 2009). As it turns out, the Conservatives have been associated with the calls which were made.
On the other hand, the liberals have been labeled as sore losers. That is after losing the elections. Elections Canada has lodged investigations in the places or areas where the stated calls were made from. This is based on the claim that there was a deliberate attempt to suppress votes by misleading voters during the voting day by the conservative campaign. In essence, what is purported to have taken place is illegal. Moreover, there are other candidates who feel that the issue has been blown out of proportion.
For instance, Finely, who ran for the Conservative Party stated that the case of these misleading strange calls was an isolated case that was blown out of proportion. It is worth noting that robocalling and live campaign is a legitimate method which is applied by parties during the election campaigns.
In this case, what comes to the fore is the fact that there are two parties which are expressing dissatisfaction as to how the electioneering process was conducted. One party claims that the process was not held on the fairground since one of the sides used measures or means which were ‘illegal’. On the other hand, the accused party stands firm to state that these are unfounded claims. However, amid all these allegations, Election Canada has set out measures to establish what actually took place. This will clear the air regarding the measures which were taken and what can be done in order to avoid such a situation in the future.
Suspicious Robocall Complaints Hit West Nova
This article gives a review of the suspicious robocalls which have been reported in West Nova. Currently, Elections Canada is carrying out investigations of the calls which are misleading the voters by directing them to the wrong polling stations. This is based on the fact that there may be more than forty calls of this nature within the country. This was confirmed when Helen Opie, an employee with Elections Canada confessed a situation where a voter confessed of having been misled to get to another polling station. At that time it was puzzling, however, it raised eyebrows when two more voters came up the following day with the same complaints.
An interesting twist came from this situation when a former MP from the Liberal Party came and noted an anomaly that presented itself during Election Day. This led to the general assumption that there was a problem with the voter’s list. Following these findings, it has been argued that when there are changes on the voting list, some voters find it difficult to locate their polling stations. In as much as this is the case, it is worth taking note of the cases which are being reported.
This article represents anomalies in the election process. This is because it seems that there are no certain measures that ensure that issues that hinder or interfere with the electioneering process are handled. In addition, working on the basis of assumptions has led to watering down the very essence of the polling process. What comes up from these issues is that there is a need to set up measures to ensure that the process is smooth. In addition, one cannot conclusively state exactly the number of voters who might be misguided. Thus there is a need to carry out more and thorough investigations to ascertain what exactly is happening across the country in regard to the elections process.
Mandatory Voting in Canada
The issue in this article is based on the fact that there is caution with regard to the voting culture in Canada. Based on the presenting statistics, there has been a major decline in voter turnout during the voting process. What is threatening is the fact that young voters who are between the ages of 18 – 24 years are considered to be the worst offenders. This is based on the fact that barely 25% of this group takes part in the voting process. This is a major concern since the trend is likely to continue and increase to worrying percentages. Furthermore, if this is the case, the voter participation of the young people within Canada is surely going to be very low in the future.
The question which lingers is what can be intervened to ensure that the trend is curbed? There are issues that are arising that are being considered to ensure that the trend is curbed. For instance, there is the general question of technology. That is since the age group which has been hit is the youth, can there be measures which can be introduced to ensure that they take part in the process. In essence, some of the approaches which are being considered include technology. Secondly, another approach which is being considered is whether there can be an incentive to encourage the voters to actively take part in the voting process. This includes the introduction of a stipend to encourage the voters.
There has been a general suggestion to mitigate the effects of laxity when it comes to voting through establishing legislation. However, introducing mandatory voting is a controversial issue in Canada. However, despite this, it is worth noting that this issue is taken seriously in other countries. For instance, legislation has been made to be a mandatory subject in over thirty countries across the globe.
In as much as this issue is controversial, it depends on the process which shall be considered in order to ensure that the objectives of the voting process are realized. It is important therefore to evaluate the role that each party can play with regard to ensuring that voting is given the seriousness that it deserves. This is especially when there is need to work out a plan that will mitigate a non – voting culture and enhance the voting culture among the young people. Conclusion
In conclusion, the following articles offer a reflection of some of the challenges which are associated with the voting process in Canada. In essence, challenges vary from one station to another. However, in as much as this is the case, it is important to evaluate and ensure that the right structures are put in place to ensure that the objectives are realized (Youniss & Levine, 2009). The voting process is an important event within any given country.
Thus, it is quite important to ensure that the measures which are put in place are measures which preserve the quality and the uniqueness of the entire process (Courtney, 2005). In addition, it is worth noting that each election process is unique. This implies that it is upon the election team to work towards being proactive enough in order to guarantee an equal playing field for the parties taking part in the process.
References
Courtney, J. C. ( 2005). Elections. Vancouver: UBC Press.
Dornan, C., & Jon, H. P. (2004). The Canadian general election of 2004. Toronto: Dundurn Press Ltd.
Youniss, J., & Levine, P. (2009). Engaging young people in civic life. Tennessee: Vanderbilt University Press.