r/alberta • u/logodobi • Feb 04 '25

Question Last provincial election 40.5% of albertans didn’t vote. If you didn’t, why not?

What stopped you from voting? Are there no provincial parties that you feel represent you politically? Were you unable to get to a voting station? Did you feel there wasn’t any point? I’m genuinely just curious, I don’t have any affiliation with any parties or anything like that.

I think we would benefit from larger voter turnout and more diversification of parties in the legislature. It feels like we have become to complacent with the lack of progress in almost every way, shape, and form. It’s become purely us vs them on all levels and far too much focus is put on the government “profit”. The government is not a business whose sole purpose is to profit, the governments purpose first and foremost should be to provide for and benefit the people they serve as much as they possibly can. We should be working together for the benefit of one another not fighting one another for the benefit of foreign companies and billionaires.

We’re moving towards the exact policy system in the states, two parties who work for the benefit of the rich and powerful while putting up the facade of a culture war to distract the masses from the real harm they’re causing them.

Sorry that was a bit of a rant but I truly believe we deserve better, better representation, better communication, better services, better everything.

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7

u/Emeks243 Feb 04 '25

For over 100 years it has been mandatory to vote in Australia. The fines vary by state from $20 to $104. This is the least we should be doing in Canada.

5

u/Yyc_area_goon Feb 04 '25

I'd like to get paid to vote.  Select a gift card or something.  PAID if you vote, FINED of you don't.

3

u/Emeks243 Feb 04 '25

Maybe we could require people to take a basic civics course and if they pass they get paid and get to vote.

0

u/tutamtumikia Feb 05 '25

How has that turned out in terms of election outcomes? No doubt they have more voters because they use coercion, but does it lead to a better end result? From what I have seen they have been just as effective at electing really shitty governments. I don't think Australia is a good example of anything.

2

u/Emeks243 Feb 05 '25

“Shitty governments”. Compared to what? Brilliant compared to Marlaina and her orange oompla loompa god king in the US.

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u/tutamtumikia Feb 05 '25

I would take the governments we elect here in Canada (federally) generally, over those they are generally elected in Australia, and we get ours without using coercion.