Or is it?
Guess we'll just have to use the one that Google nicely kept cached for us (see below, and if you google it, click the cached version.)
Now, to be fair, its only the Liberal position that all votes should be counted that Marty objects to. Our X-ray vision read between the lines to discern the underlying resistance to improving the electoral process.
Hey, you read it, and tell us what you think.
Ummm... Marty, why did you take it down, dude?
(oh, I wonder if the Blue Rod flexed his muscle? A little late, sir, but appreciate the effort.)
Tired Manitoba Liberal Party wants to make voting Mandatory
February 3, 2011
Jon Gerrard, the only Liberal MLA in Manitoba and leader of the tired Liberal Party of Manitoba has blogged in favor of a law that would force Manitobans to vote. (see http://manitobaliberals.blogspot.com/2005_10_02_archive.html).
Although voting is compulsory in some countries, this position goes against the most fundamental of Canadian rights, that is; the freedom to exercise or not exercise ones' franchise.Voting is not a civic duty but rather a civic right. Forcing people to vote under penalty is an infringement upon the rights of people who would choose not to vote because they do not favor or support any candidate or political party. It would also infringe upon the rights of those citizens who do not vote for religious reasons ( for example Jehovahs Witnesses) whose religion discourages participation in political events.
The reality is, in order to increase voter turnout we need to do do a better job educating our young people about our political system. Further our politicians must also do a better job getting people engaged and interested in politics. People should feel empowered by the understanding that their vote can make a difference.
It is in the market place of ideas that the battle for greater voter turnout should be fought, and not by the will of the state telling people that they must vote under threat of penalty.
Perhaps, given the Manitoba Liberal's historical inability to attract votes, Dr. Gerrard thinks that forcing you to vote might help his Party.
Although voting is compulsory in some countries, this position goes against the most fundamental of Canadian rights, that is; the freedom to exercise or not exercise ones' franchise.Voting is not a civic duty but rather a civic right. Forcing people to vote under penalty is an infringement upon the rights of people who would choose not to vote because they do not favor or support any candidate or political party. It would also infringe upon the rights of those citizens who do not vote for religious reasons ( for example Jehovahs Witnesses) whose religion discourages participation in political events.
The reality is, in order to increase voter turnout we need to do do a better job educating our young people about our political system. Further our politicians must also do a better job getting people engaged and interested in politics. People should feel empowered by the understanding that their vote can make a difference.
It is in the market place of ideas that the battle for greater voter turnout should be fought, and not by the will of the state telling people that they must vote under threat of penalty.
Perhaps, given the Manitoba Liberal's historical inability to attract votes, Dr. Gerrard thinks that forcing you to vote might help his Party.
Hey, btw, citation for this most sacred Canadian right of non-participation in the electoral process? I'm drawing a blank, sure would appreciate a little education here. (or is this just something every PC party member knows....)
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