WHY BOTHER VOTING?
The municipal elections are only a week away and I’ve been telling people in my community of West Kelowna that I’m running for mayor. A surprising number of them have believed me.
“I’m not really running,” I said to a lady I know when she started telling me her concerns. “There are two mayoral candidates, but I’m not one of them.”
“Why did you say you were then?” she asked, confused. In her hand she held my flyer that read, “Lori Welbourne for Mayor - she stands for stuff.”
“I’m making a lighthearted video trying to encourage people to vote and I present myself as a clueless candidate,” I explained. Then I asked her if she was going to vote.
“No,” she responded. “I don’t know enough about who’s running.” That was obvious.
I was surprised this incredibly smart, articulate businesswoman – who had genuine concerns about the community she grew up in – hadn’t bothered to educate herself on the candidates, and didn’t even plan to vote. If her apathy was any indication, it was no wonder our voter turnout is consistently low.
In this information age, getting a sense of who the candidates are has never been easier. Most of them have their own websites, show up at public forums, do substantial advertising, engage on social media and make themselves readily available for questions and discussions. Many of them still knock on doors in an effort to connect with voters face to face.
“Some people tell me they only vote federally and don’t bother with us grass-root politicians,” one candidate confided. “I try to explain that they’re more likely to be heard at the local government level, which in turn affects how the larger governments act. Sometimes they change their mind when they realize they do have a voice.”
We are so fortunate to be living in a democratic society where we have the right to vote, a right millions of people in this world would give anything to have. Yet, most of us in this society can’t be bothered.
Would we care more if we were reminded of our brave veterans who fought to defend our democracy? I like to think so.
“My vote won’t make a difference,” a young man told me the other day. A common belief for sure, but it’s not true. There’s historical evidence of elections that have been won or lost based on a single vote. They all count.
The will of the majority is what is intended to govern us. Unfortunately, it’s the will of the minority that actually does when only the typical third of the population exercise their right to vote.
Perhaps the fear of me running for mayor on the ridiculous platform of “I stand for stuff,” will influence a few extra people out to the polls where I live – if only in an effort to keep me out of office.
Election day is November 19, 2011. Know your candidates and vote for whoever best represents what you want for your community.
To watch my campaign parody please click below:
This Column has 41 Feedbacks
Leave Feedback
Hi Lori, just watched your video on Get out and Vote, gutsy effort. Well done and thank god Ms.Neis had a personality eh,
John .
Good article, and funny video! I too hope everyone takes things more seriously and exercise their right to vote. Personally I believe it is not simply a “right” to vote, but should be considered a “duty” to vote.
Haha well done, Lori ever thought of becoming an Actress?
Well done. Looking forward to on line voting eventually, so we ALL get to vote.
Good job Lori/I love your badges and your message. “i know stuff”. Very catchy. I agree with Lori. Please vote: there is an advanced poll today in West Kelowna @ DWK city hall and there is an advanced poll there again on Nov.15th from 8 am to 8pm. If you cannot make any of the polls, DWK will courier your ballot to a specified address for you. any other excuses not to vote?
Love it, Lori!!!
Ok, Lori….I’ve actually watched it now…I’ll be out there looking for your name on the ballot for sure!
I’m responding to your surprise that people would take seriously that you might run for mayor: The serious side of you is very impressive. You think and speak very well. (I like this. I like it more than your humor even.)
my favorite part is the Baileys…You GO Girl!
That was funny… I like that you care about people AND issues! Of course if you cared about issues and people in that order, you might do better. But I’ll still vote for you.
Thank you so much Lori i just watched it i think you missed your calling i think an Oscar is in order!
If I were a resident of your town, I’d vote for ya. Yep.
I agree Jason! Making an informed choice is the right way to vote. Now if you could shoot me an email with who you are voting for and why I would greatly appreciate it! Please…:)
I believe people stand for stuff, or they would not run. Its just the masses vote for people that they dont even know what they stand for other than they know their name or follow what a community group says is safe.
couldn’t agree more, we need more people who stand for stuff!
Most people elected are rarely there on their merrits. They are their because they lead or represent a large group or have a name. Never are they elected on their actions. Look at Gordo. A DUI had no effect on his re-election.
Hundred million please!
I’m living vicariously through my phone……………I was in bed with Lori Welbourne – fricken eh!
Vote for Lori we need some one that stands for stuff
Haha!! Love this. Love the Baileys by the bed too.
Baileys on every ones bed stand. I’m voting!!!!
You definitely have my vote! Stand for Stuff! Where do I get my button
Got my vote!
I’d SO vote for you, Lori!!! ♥
too funny!!! Thanks for sharing this segment.
you’re running for mayor?
you’ve got my vote. Lol
Classic stuff! Can I send in a write in vote from the States? And is Tami Rae Bjornson going to be 2nd in command?
TY! I mite vote… 4 U? U on the ballot? Oooops???
That’s so great, Lori!!
Love it! Vote for Lori and her stuff!
I LOVED it!!!!! Definitley makes alot of sense
I thought it was quite histerical….
I’ll vote for Lori because it’s important to deal with stuff and I really want the prize. Karen McNeill,
I love it Lori….everyone get out and VOTE!
Yeah… It’s not only important to deal with stuff but with issues as well…
There are lots of people in other countries literally dying to be able to vote for stuff… So all of us allowed to vote: get out there the 19th and vote for stuff!!!
Why bother voting an interesting question indeed but with a rather simple answer BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL IDIOTS without knowing anything about their personality you can tell that they all make promises that they rarely if ever keep people stopped voting because its like choosing who is going to mug you and steal your cash EITHER WAY your still getting screwed over. To keep spouting a message of voting means nothing because it is a broken system best in the world but no less broken united we stand divided we are falling. Their are too many parties all spouting different messages full of fecal matter I Still vote because i do love the opportunity that we have. Most people have Figured out how idiotic they are and will not pander to their bullshit they use their minds and reason that none of them will successfully fulfil their promises not even because its their fault but with the economy as bad as it is to promise change is a lie none of these people can change ANYTHING and to think they
can is fooling yourself thats why MOST people dont bother voting
You’re not running! – Whew!!…From what I’ve seen in the last 6 weeks, your platform of “Stuff” is probably the most polished and professional of everyone’s I’ve seen so far…(and I wish I was kidding!) Sad but true. It’s so true that the minority is running things because the majority is a no show.
My advice to you…really run next time…you would win, probably hands down, and in my opionion, do the best job…unless of course you started to get serious. It’s the serious pepole who are wrecking this place.
You’re not running! – Whew!!…From what I’ve seen in the last 6 weeks, your platform of “Stuff” is probably the most polished and professional of everyone’s I’ve seen so far…(and I wish I was kidding!) Sad but true. It’s so true that the minority is running things because the majority is a no show.
Thank you Lori! On November 19th, Make Your Vote Count! Get informed!
Great Video! Very entertaining We need to reach out to the silent majority!