04) “EVERY CITIZEN HAS THE RIGHT TO VOTE"

People’s Voice Editorial

            The Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that "every citizen of Canada has the right to vote." But imagine this scenario during the next election. For weeks, the Harper Conservatives have been bombarding the media with attack ads, using a new spending loophole created by allowing a longer campaign period. Shortly before E-Day, an official from “Elections Canada” calls to advise that your polling place has been moved to 666 Dead End Road. So you call the real Elections Canada to report a serious crime. "Not much we can do," they say. "Everyone knows the Harper gang hires U.S.-trained operatives to sabotage elections, but they just designate one fall guy to take the rap."

            Undaunted, you head to the polls, only to see a lineup stretching out the doors. Some folks are leaving as the line inches forward.  It turns out Conservative scrutineers are being mighty careful. After all, a terrorist cleverly disguised as an Indigenous elder might try to use their Voter Information Card to vote for an opposition candidate.

            Everybody knows you can't use a VIC to vote, you point out. But the scrutineers are checking every piece of photo ID, using magnifying glasses, cross-checking name spellings, asking for more proof, just as the new election laws allow. Is it just a coincidence that this is happening in your low-income working class neighbourhood, with a high percentage of seniors, Indigenous people, tenants, and students?

            Fortunately, there is resistance. The Council of Canadians is challenging the "(Un)Fair Elections Act" and its restrictive ID requirements, and the opposition parties have pledged to reverse the voter suppression laws. But that not might matter if Harper grabs another majority. So get ready to mobilize your friends. Your vote is your right - don't let them steal it!

(The above article is from the February 15-28, 2015 issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading socialist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)