LETTER | Ontario reader outraged by Nunavik voting problems
Voting in 7 villages affected by what Elections Canada calls ‘shortcomings’ in its service
An election sign in Kuujjuaq directs people where to vote during Monday’s federal election. Because of Elections Canada “shortcomings,” voters in seven Nunavik communities were not able to cast their ballots, a problem Canada’s chief electoral officer apologized for. (File photo by Cedric Gallant)
I have been watching, with increasing dismay, the news that voters in your community were disenfranchised. This is wrong and should not have been allowed to happen at all.
All the statements ignore the idea that voting and setting up to vote is worth any inconvenience to safeguard rights of citizens of any stripe.
The stories I have read — and I don’t claim to be expert — give me an increasing sense of outrage at this situation.
I am sorry this happened. I hope this doesn’t discourage your community from voting in the future, or from trusting the process. For those outraged in the community, there are those of us in the South who are equally as upset for you and we stand in solidarity, for what that’s worth — I speak for myself, but am sure I’m not alone in my views.
In peace and community,
Adrian Rhodes,
London, Ont.
Nunatsiaq News invites readers to submit letters to the editor for publication. They must be less than 500 words and signed by the writer. Please send them to editors@nunatsiaq.com.
Only one way to fix the issue of low voter turn out. Here in Nunavut. Give every one who is eligible to vote. A hundred dollar gift card.
In an real elections with rules. It might not be acceptable.
But it’s Nunavut we can do what ever. To heck what the feds say.
I agree, $100 and a bag of chips, 1 can of bepsi and some kukuk…
Freedom to to vote in any election should not be given a reward. It’s good thing Canada does not speak German because PPL were free to enlist to fight wannabe world dictator. Stop playing freedom, to many, freedom was attained at great expense.
Nothing says “my party didn’t get elected” like an Ontarian writing a letter. Both major parties proposed the same thing. Lower taxes and higher spending lol very much a fantasy.
The letter is totally nonpartisan and I think it’s a kind gesture to reach out and let people in the North know that they’re heard and acknowledged.
“[S]etting up to vote is worth any inconvenience to safeguard rights of citizens of any stripe”. I agree.
Thank you, Adrian Rhodes.
Since when have they ever listened to people from the north? And why do they care only now? George Carlin said it best when it comes to voting. You may want to look him up. Hes funny but he has very good points. Safeguarding the rights of any people is a sham. Rights are not rights, they are privileges that can be taken away. For us, the Inuit of nunavik, that happened long ago.