COLUMN: Viewpoint – Voting is a privilege

Municipal elections are less than a week away. Only 16.9 percent of eligible Steinbach area citizens voted in the last election. That’s disconcerting. Winnipeg had 37.5 percent of voters show up. Certainly nothing to be proud of either.

Having the right to vote for leaders who make vital decisions about our local communities is a gift. If I start feeling blasé about voting I remember how hard suffragettes in the early 1900s worked to earn the right for me to vote, and how much more work was needed for racial minorities to gain the same right. To not bother voting is a sacrilege, when others sacrificed so much to earn that privilege for us.

Municipal elections may not seem as consequential as federal or provincial elections, but they can affect many people. I personally know Steinbach residents whose homes have flooded repeatedly. They need local government leaders who advocate boldly for them, address their concerns in concrete, substantial ways and offer help and restitution.

A recent forum in Steinbach, led by respected local professionals, gave city council candidates an opportunity to hear concerns, and express their views about important issues. The CBC reported none of the incumbent councillors running for office, showed up. According to friends in attendance at Steinbach’s Pride Parade, no council members were there either. They missed an opportunity to build bridges with Premier Wab Kinew, who spoke at the event. This is regrettable, since provincial funding is vital to the city’s welfare. Have incumbent council members provided legitimate reasons for their absences?

Skipping important community events and not offering concrete, immediate hope to flood victims are issues that for some, will make voting in the upcoming municipal election of great importance. The votes of others will be motivated by their belief Steinbach needs public transportation. Some will vote out of concern about homelessness, drug use, poverty, crime, traffic control, or the possible presence of white nationalist recruiters and activists in the community. Council candidate Susan Penner is chairing a task force about senior care. Clearly, that’s crucial for some families. Whatever issues individuals find significant, the voting process provides an opportunity to champion them and demand answers and action.

Stories in local, provincial and national media about the actions of certain Hanover School Board members have caused their jurisdiction to be described as backward, discriminatory, and disrespectful of the law. In the last Carillon, a media expert described some of the trustees’ online posts as immature and irresponsible. In a recent column, I advocated for Hanover, saying this bad press painted a whole community with a negative brush, even though I personally knew many local people who were forward thinking, accepting, openminded and law-abiding. I got some pushback. I was told school board members were elected by the community, and so one had to assume they represented the community’s views. The only way to change the school division’s reputation, is to elect representatives who will help restore a more positive image.

In my ward in Winnipeg, I can’t vote for a trustee because only one person ran and he got in by acclamation. I’m envious of folks in my hometown who have a plethora of qualified candidates to choose from, in any number of the trustee races.

The right to vote is a genuine privilege, not to be taken lightly and not to be ignored. I encourage everyone to do their research, engage with their candidates, and most importantly show up on Oct. 28 to cast their ballot. It is a vital way to make your voice heard and your opinions known. Don’t take it for granted.