Oscar Cheng (9) | Staff Reporter
The votes are in and the results are out–get ready for another year of washed-up politician conversations. The eligible voting population constantly overlooks the importance of this right. Those who want to build their own future should take matters into their own hands by voting when the time comes.
The underwhelming attendance of voters in recent Canadian elections and the increase in voter apathy raise concern for future voters. As of the most recent municipal election during the 2022 fall season, the turnout was staggeringly low 32 percent of eligible voters.
Leaders who win the election typically go on to lead the community toward growth and the future. The results of a government’s efforts can be seen through growth in GDP. According to a statistic provided by The World Bank, Canada’s GDP grew by approximately 4.5% in 2021. Though it doesn’t seem like a large number, the result is still a net positive.
Though certain countries don’t have the highest voter turnout, their population is still quite satisfied with their government’s work. Recent polls show that nearly 80 percent of Canadians find themselves satisfied with the actions of their provincial government.
On the other hand, some countries make voting an obligation and fine apathetic citizens. As a result, voter turnouts in these countries are much higher than in those that don’t mandate voting. In Australia, their average voter turnout is well over 80 percent of eligible voters, proving that mandatory voting is effective in getting the population to vote.
The countries that choose the topic candidates for leadership will show an increase in growth. Take Argentina for example: according to The World Bank, Argentina raised its GDP by ten point four percent.
Although the countries that mandate voting have a higher turnout, the result of the election doesn’t always go in their favour. In countries such as Australia and Argentina, some are dissatisfied with the some of government’s actions. Previously, less than 50 percent of Australians agreed and trusted the government’s choices. However, ever since the pandemic the trust between the government and the people grew substantially. As of recent years, 80 percent of Australians now trust the decisions made by their government.
Despite a few challenges along the way, making it mandatory for those of age to vote would lead to a future built by the people. Everyone’s opinions and idea matter; through voting, these ideas are capable of materializing in our world.
