In the 2011 Canadian federal election, voter turnout was a disappointing 61.1% according to Elections Canada records; this was the second lowest recorded turnout in Canadian history. The introduction of the Fair Elections Act (Bill C-23) will likely drive this percentage even lower. Bill C-23 is a controversial Bill that makes significant changes to federal election policies in Canada. Harry Neufeld, an independent election consultant, argues that, contrary to its title, the Act is undemocratic and aids the party in power. The Fair Elections Act has altered our federal election system for the worse. The new system makes it more difficult for many Canadians to vote, allows for potential campaign financing corruption, and impedes the investigation of misconduct.
The Fair Elections Act makes it difficult for many Canadians to vote. The Voter Information Cards can no longer be used as proof of address. It is estimated that 400,000 voters used their cards as ID in the 2011 election (Campion-Smith). At this …show more content…
Stricter voting rules will certainly have an impact on voter turnout, opportunities for corruption have increased, loopholes have been created, the appointment of election officials is not independent, and misconduct investigations will be less transparent and effective. Garry Neil, executive director of the Council of Canadians, says “it is the government of the day, with a majority, which is trying to write election rules that are going to favour that party and their candidates” (Campion-Smith). Duff Conacher discusses some improvements to Bill C-23. He advocates for a new voting system instead of Canada’s current first-past-the-post system in order to improve representation. He also recommends more regulations during election campaigns to keep them democratic. Undoubtedly, our system demands change, but the Fair Elections Act does not even come close to addressing the
The Fair Elections Act makes it difficult for many Canadians to vote. The Voter Information Cards can no longer be used as proof of address. It is estimated that 400,000 voters used their cards as ID in the 2011 election (Campion-Smith). At this …show more content…
Stricter voting rules will certainly have an impact on voter turnout, opportunities for corruption have increased, loopholes have been created, the appointment of election officials is not independent, and misconduct investigations will be less transparent and effective. Garry Neil, executive director of the Council of Canadians, says “it is the government of the day, with a majority, which is trying to write election rules that are going to favour that party and their candidates” (Campion-Smith). Duff Conacher discusses some improvements to Bill C-23. He advocates for a new voting system instead of Canada’s current first-past-the-post system in order to improve representation. He also recommends more regulations during election campaigns to keep them democratic. Undoubtedly, our system demands change, but the Fair Elections Act does not even come close to addressing the