All pertinent matters pertaining to the municipal elections are often somewhat overshadowed by the voter turnout.
Once again, the numbers for North Cowichan are far lower than you’d have expected with so many major issues going on within the municipality and some candidates clearly at opposite ends of the spectrum. And, yet, that only resulted in 8,545 people marking their ballots or 32.53 per cent.
That’s only one-third of the eligible voters deciding to have their voices heard in the democratic process for candidates of choice. For the other two-thirds, it’s hard to understand the thought process. Not knowing the candidates or failing to spend the time to figure out who to vote for are not very good excuses.
Still others seem to think no matter who they vote for, it’s a waste of time and their concerns won’t be heard. Those attitudes won’t result in any kind of a positive direction during a trying time.
At least it wasn’t as bad as Tofino’s paltry 17 per cent voter turnout, but there’s so much money being thrown around up there it probably doesn’t matter to the community who gets elected.
The turnout in 2018 in Tofino was 66 per cent so it’s hard to understand such an enormous decrease, other than voters can be complacent or certainly fickle.
It’s disappointing to see the low numbers at the local level. To North Cowichan’s credit, it has made public feedback a priority with numerous surveys and plenty of opportunities for people to attend public forums on various issues.
All it takes is for those with concerns to get off their butts and take action instead of just complaining. Going to the computer or a meeting isn’t hard if there’s something people need to get off their chest.
For those who didn’t vote and find something to gripe about later, remember you have no one to blame but yourself for not making a decision that might have supported your interests.
Having said that, there are six councillors and a new mayor who are starting a four-year campaign with lots of challenges ahead.
The next four years are going to be very interesting in North Cowichan, with Chemainus and Crofton situations and developments sure to be front and centre.