While 2011 is shaping up as the year of perennial votes for B.C. residents, few wanted to elect a new federal Parliament this year.
However, the continual conflicts and tensions caused by seven years of minority governments in Ottawa mean that an election is always a possibility. This latest one was precipated by what appears to most non-politicians to be relatively minor policy differences.
Interest in the election in 91原创 will likely be low. Incumbent Conservative MP Mark Warawa won with 62 per cent of the vote in 2008. As Warawa is running again, and the Conservatives are doing well in national polls, he will likely win by a very comfortable margin again.
He has solid challengers. Liberal Rebecca Darnell is a well-known lawyer in 91原创 and has been the nominated candidate for more than 18 months. She has had time to prepare for this election and will be doing her best to improve the Liberal showing here.
Piotr Majkowski, the NDP candidate, was through the election routine here recently, working on Kathleen Stephany鈥檚 provincial campaign. As a young candidate, he has the potential to appeal to young people 鈥� if his campaign can persuade them to vote. Voter apathy among young people is a serious problem and has led to a significant drop in voter participation in recent elections.
In the 2009 provincial campaign, just over 50 per cent voted. Provincial and federal elections are going the way of municipal elections, where few participate and most simply ignore them altogether.
It is highly unlikely that any federal leader will visit 91原创, although Jack Layton has already been to neighbouring Surrey, and Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff will likely be there as well. The leaders show up where there is a close contest and their party has a shot. Otherwise, they stay away.
From now until May 2, it will be up to the political parties and local candidates to try and stimulate enough interest so that people show up at the polls. Whether they approve of an election or not, those who are eligible should take the time to vote. Voting may seem dull, but democracy is a precious thing. Voting in a free and fair election is something that people in many parts of the world would love to have a chance to do.
