The trouble with elections is, once they’re over, they’re forgotten — at least when it comes to the logistical bumps in the road.
Some area residents have taken to social media to decry a lack of advance polls for the Oct. 21 municipal election. The thought is that, for those who work lengthy shifts in places like the oilsands, an advance poll five days before the election may still not afford them a chance to vote.
It’s encouraging to see people engaged enough with the democratic process to comment at length about it online, but that’s just step one.
Some people have gone to their councillors with their concerns, and they are to be applauded. Voicing the concern directly to someone in a position to do something about it has a better chance of effecting change than a critical mass of Facebook indignance does. Pointed, immediate interactions with local politicians are step two.
Athabasca County is to be commended for being somewhat reflexive in the face of these concerns. The county has added an extra advance poll today (Oct. 15) from noon to 8 p.m. Yes, the poll’s location is limited to the county office in Athabasca, but it’s a start. After that, there’s a second advance poll on Oct. 19 and, of course, the vote proper on Oct. 21.
We’re out of time to get any more advance polls for this election, but we’ve got four years to ensure that advance polls happen earlier and thus cast a wider net for residents who are frequently away.
The county’s returning officer has made it clear that the number of people who use the advance poll this year will be used to determine what the need is next election. The problem with this approach is that it only captures those who vote — not those who are unable to.
That’s why step three comes after the election, even as the hubbub is dying down. If you have been edged out of voting this year due to the advance poll not accommodating your schedule, you need to let your new councillor know. Make the unknown, unaccounted for voters a known entity.
Post-election action is the surest way to ensure we all have an adequate chance to vote in the future.
