Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!henry
From: henry@utzoo.UUCP (Henry Spencer)
Newsgroups: can.politics
Subject: Re: Free trade, Canadian culture, $$, Really Democracy
Message-ID: <7734@utzoo.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 3-Mar-87 14:55:54 EST
Article-I.D.: utzoo.7734
Posted: Tue Mar  3 14:55:54 1987
Date-Received: Tue, 3-Mar-87 14:55:54 EST
References: <210@fornax.uucp>
Organization: U of Toronto Zoology
Lines: 18

> First of all is the responsibility to vote.  I would argue that there
> is something seriously wrong in a society where so many people do not
> avail themselves of the ability to have some say in their country's
> actions.  The voter turnout statistics are quite depressing...

Indeed they are.  Perhaps we should re-examine the assumption that voting
constitutes "having some say in the country's actions".  It seems to me
that the Number One reason why people do not vote is that they are
convinced it will make no difference.

I'm not sure of any way to change this conviction, partly because I tend
to agree that it is a realistic assessment of Canadian politics.  I did
once see an intriguing suggestion on increasing voter turnout:  pay for
votes.  Not for *specific* votes, mind you, but a flat payment of (say)
$50 for turning out and voting.  Expensive, yes, but perhaps worth it.
-- 
"We must choose: the stars or	Henry Spencer @ U of Toronto Zoology
the dust.  Which shall it be?"	{allegra,ihnp4,decvax,pyramid}!utzoo!henry