Getting the Majority to Vote: Practical Solutions to Re-engage Citizens in Local Elections

Across BC voting is decreasing in all levels of elections—federal, provincial and municipal. Voter turnout in federal and provincial elections is now below 60 per cent, but more dramatically we are seeing many municipal elections in which only 20 to 30 per cent of people go out to vote.

What is happening in communities where 70 to 80 per cent of the population is not voting in municipal elections? What scientific research helps us understand why this is occurring? Most importantly, what can be done to re-engage our communities? What is working in other jurisdictions to increase voting? And why should we care when some good people are getting elected in spite of so few people voting?

Getting the Majority to Vote: Practical solutions to re-engage citizens in local elections” is written with two things in mind: The first is to help municipal leaders understand the latest academic research and theories about why some people vote while others don’t. The second is to provide key practical solutions to re-engage citizens.