Mark an X if you want a tax break
Alberta Liberals are proposing a $50 tax credit for voting
by Aaron Wherry on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 4:20pm - Macleans.ca
For democracy to thrive, it perhaps must inspire. And if politicians fail to offer the necessary motivation, maybe money can.
After just 41 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot during the last provincial election, the Alberta Liberals are proposing that each citizen who votes in the next one receive a $50 tax credit. “It’s an attempt to push people to think maybe a little bit outside the box,” says Liberal Leader David Swann. “We’re headed for trouble if more and more people check out of this democracy.”
Turnout in Alberta was at 60 per cent as recently as 1993, but has fallen in each of the last four elections. This mirrors what has occurred federally, the last national election drawing an all-time low of 58.8 per cent. With just shy of a million votes cast in the last provincial election, a tax credit would have cost the Alberta government approximately $48 million. “I guess one would have to ask, ‘what’s democracy worth?’ ” says Swann.
The Canada Elections Act already has some incentives built in: citizens are allowed three consecutive hours, without penalty by their employer, to cast a ballot, and portions of financial contributions to parties are tax deductible. The idea of a tax credit for voting has been floated before, but it doesn’t appear any jurisdiction has enacted such a policy. Critics lament that anyone would vote for financial gain, but a tax credit is a less punitive alternative to the mandatory voting imposed in some countries. In Australia, where voting is compulsory, those who fail to show up at the polling station must provide a valid reason for not doing so or pay a $20 penalty. Turnout there has historically averaged about 95 per cent. “We looked at Australia and how they increased their voter turnout by using a stick,” says Swann. “And I’m more inclined to the carrot.”
May 29, 2010 at 10:25 PM
An interesting topic, if you ask me. While all I can do during an election is sit and watch, some Canadians abuse the right to vote. I would LOVE to voice my opinion on what party should take over the government. In one province,voting numbers has gone down noticeably. And it's the same case in other provinces. They thought that offering a $50 tax credit will attract voters. While I think the idea of a tax credit will definitely encourage Canadians to come out and vote, should we really pay Canadians to do something that some countries don't have? Voting is considered a RIGHT, allowing Canadians to contribute and have their say. All because of one word. Democracy. We shouldn't put a price on that. And yet, some people abuse that right because "they're too busy". I think that's just an excuse because I learned that employers have to give employees 3 hours to vote, which is ENOUGH time to vote and MAYBE get a coffee and donut at Tim Hortons. All I know is that we shouldn't give Canadians money to come vote. Maybe another approach might be suitable. Obviously, some Canadians don't connect with politicians therefore they don't come and support them. Politicians should be more inspirational and connect with Canadians more so that they get their support. Also, other benefits could be offered such as longer hours etc. Canadians are only humans and we all have feelings. You just have to tap into them and inspire them to be passionate about politics and the well-being of Canada.
So, why did I choose this article? Well, I remember talking about voting outcomes in class one day and the article reminded me about the conversation and the importance of voting. This article shows that politicians are tired of not winning a majority government and so they're taking action to fix or find a solution for this important issue. Hopefully, seeing this article will make Canadians feel guilty about not going to the polls during an election and change that habit for the next election.
June 9, 2010 at 10:44 PM
I agree with Keerthana’s point very much; when reading this article I felt that both the Alberta Liberals and also Canadian citizens are at fault here. We as Canadians living in a democracy and in such a great country have the right to vote as well as many rights which we take for granted for.
At the age I am now, I am starting to be more and more curious for how laws are passed, why we have to do things and just Canadian government in general. And I feel that many Canadian citizens of age take advantage of all the rights and freedoms they have that come with the age and of having the citizenship of Canada. This is only one issue of many that show Canada’s negligence and how they take advantage of something many countries cannot do (as Keerthana pointed out). Other concerns brought to mind include getting your driver’s liscence, smoking/drinking and getting jobs. The specific concerns I brought up all have something in common. You probably wonder, what do these random topics have anything to do with one another? Well, these all are things where people in certain countries cannot obtain/take part in and many Canadians abuse our freedoms/rights of doing those things by drinking and driving, speeding, calling in “sick” when you do not feel like going to work and so much more.
What also brought to thought was how the government should use a different method or approach in order to make elections more appealing to the rest of the voters. I understand that money is a big way of getting people’s attention but where does the money come from? I’m sure that the money doesn’t come from the Alberta Liberals’ and my assumption is that it will probably have to come from either the Canadian government or out of tax payers’ money. Instead of wasting money bribing Canadians to vote, they should come up with different ways in order to lure Canadians to vote.
Some suggestions to do is try to relate to different audiences, with young adults, talk about issues that relate to them, include social networking websites, clubs, cars, make-up, that sort of stuff to engage and get their attention to at least show that you can relate or at least TRY to relate with their future representatives.
June 21, 2010 at 6:57 PM
I think voting will be a great experience and an amazing way of expressing your feelings and thoughts. It allows one to chose an official elective that will stand up for the country positively and have a great contribution to everyone. However, if the Alberitans do not vote, this restricts their thought in choosing the right person for the job. However, the idea of 50 dollar tax credit is a great way of persuading the people to vote but is unnecessary. People have the freedom to vote and there should not be a price given to vote, but in the other hand the Australians have to vote or else they need to pay 20 dollar penalty. People need to take this issue more seriously and take some time away from their work and vote. I agree with Keerthana as they have a long period of time to vote and their should be no excuse for this. I think the money that is given to Albertians can be used for other serious issues like poverty or building schools and etc. This campaign should be more approachable and advertised more or from a long period of time. The officials should talk more about the election and teach the audience more about this so that they learn the importance of an election.