November 5, 2003
(Letter sent to the Windsor Star)
Dear Editor:
The narrow-minded October 25th editorial, "Mail-in ballots a potential for abuse" deserves a response.
To challenge the security of mail-in voting when comparing it to the polling station process is quite a stretch. When a voter appears at a polling station they don't sign a form or provide any identification. They simply give a street address and say they are who is supposed to live at that address and proceed to vote.
Mail in Canada is secure and tampering of any kind is a criminal offence. Voting by mail requires a signed declaration form that is cross-referenced by municipal officials against the eligible voters list. Any corrupt practice is an offence under the Municipal Elections Act.
This may come as a revelation, but not everyone has to wait until Election Day to make up their mind as to what candidate they will support. Vote by Mail offers voters the option of voting from home or taking their ballot to the municipal office on Election Day and casting their vote then.
Voter apathy has been a concern in Canada for many years and people choose not to go out and vote for several reasons. Vote by Mail offers Canadians a convenient opportunity to participate in an election and increases the number of people who actually vote. Surely you will agree that if more people exercise their right to vote, it provides a truer reflection of the wishes of the population.
Sincerely,
John Caines
Manager, National Media Relations
Ottawa (613)734-7675
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