With the movement back to a 12-ward system,
city staff have the daunting task of re-evaluating the polling
station locations for the 2006 municipal election. A report to
city council in this regard is expected by the end of this
month.
I must stress the importance of reinstating
two polling stations in Ward One. It was a travesty that during
the 2003 local election the polls in Gatchell and at South-End
Apartments (once Surbian Village) were abolished.
After every municipal election there is a
flurry of statements about disappointing voter turnout rates
(last election about 40 percent). Eliminating a polling station
from a densely populated community such as Gatchell when there
were always in the past several polls in that neighborhood is
an insult, and counterproductive to our democratic
system.
During provincial and federal elections,
there are polls situated in Gatchell. Similarly, placing a
voting station in the lobby of a high-rise apartment complex
such as South-end Apartments will increase the number of votes
cast by the tenants in those buildings. I guarantee it.
I am not necessarily advocating the spending
of more money on creating a larger number of polling stations.
What I am encouraging is some sober thought being given to
redistributing the polls throughout the city in a manner which
will allow the citizenry from all segments of a particular ward
the ability to exercise their right to vote with relative
ease.
I have full confidence that the city staff
report being presently drafted will result in a positive and
sensible result.
Joe Cimino
Sudbury