Dear Editor:
Re: Lottery would get voters to the polls, Column, The Record, April 5.
The "Votto" would definitely get voters to the polls. This method is as effective as it versatile. It could be implemented on national level with government allocating the prize funds. It could be equally effective within individual ridings with competing riding associations all contributing to common goal. It could be run even more locally, perhaps within an individual polling station, as a simple raffle with few neighbourhood civic-minded citizens and businesses collecting few hundred dollars for prizes.
But there is one little problem with "Votto." Actually, it is a very large problem: "Votto" is not exactly legal, as the election act prohibits anything of value as reward in any connection with elections. Otherwise, "Votto" would have been done a long time ago, I am sure.
So much for "Votto." Lets try another option, I would call the Social Participation Card. Every citizen, upon showing up and casting a ballot will receive a card with his or her "Social Participation Number," valid until the next election.
Just like a Social Insurance Number gives the right to work, the Social Participation Number will give a right to complain. No number - no right to complain against the government. Period.
No letters to newspapers, the editors will not consider them from people without their number. No legal actions, the courts will not register cases without a number. No calls to your elected representatives, for the same reason.
No complaints of any kind when government raises your taxes, cuts your benefits, takes away your educational opportunities, makes you wait for months for a doctor's appointment, builds a bridge over your house, does not repair pavement on your street, or even if you do not get your tax refund.
Is this a wrong idea? Not at all. Citizens who think that enjoying the rights and benefits provided by a democratic society is not worth a few minutes of their time every several years, are free to make their own choices.
But when the next election comes, many of them will camp overnight in front of polling stations, I guess, to ensure they vote and get their complaint privileges back.
Vladimir Krasnogor, New Westminster
