Dawson City Citizen's Forum

Municipal election (Democracy)

posted by sebastian, 16.10.2009, 14:26

I know of at least two people who voted while ineligible. I don't know how they voted, but it really does not matter. I think that Peter and John should both request that the ballots be scrutinised and ineligible votes discarded.
There has been some discussion around the eligibility issue; people who own a business in town limits but reside outside- like Bear Creek or West Dawson- may not vote even though they pay City taxes and contribute to the local coffers.
"No taxation without representation" is a venerable rallying cry and I think it is time we heard it again.
Folks such as myself that live out of city limits do not pay taxes directly, but we do spend almost all of our money here. Some of us even make a concerted effort to shop localy. I feel that there is something not quite right here; if we add that to the other issues such as the ludricous honour system, it seems clear that the Act that governs municipal voting needs another look.
This sort of fiasco really does not serve democracy well; if we want our elections to be taken seriously, we should run them with all the seriousness of territorial or federal polls. Personaly, I should not wish to be elected by a questionable election, I'd prefer to win because the majority of eligible electors cast their ballots for me.
I am glad in a way that the result was so close, maybe this will force a re-examination of the process.

Complete thread:

• Municipal election - sebastian, 16.10.2009, 14:26 (Democracy)
  • Municipal election - dogeatdog, 11.04.2010, 17:49