Voter apathy makes losers of everyone, Cohn, Feb. 27

It is disappointing that columnist Martin Regg Cohn relies on a poll rather than research to figure out why people don’t vote.

The bulk of non-voters understand that under any winner-take-all voting system, few votes actually count. In a typical Ontario election, seven out of 10 votes have no impact on who goes to Queen’s Park (they either reinforce the winner’s margin or go to a losing candidate). Moreover, half the voters aren’t represented by anyone they voted for.

The one measure shown to improve voter turnout — proportional representation — addresses those issues. Under proportional representation, almost every vote counts and almost every voter is represented by someone they voted for.

Gary Dale, Toronto

I turned 18 more than a year ago so the upcoming provincial and municipal elections will be the first times I am eligible to vote. I am excited but many of my friends are not as enthusiastic. Most of them do not know the leaders, the issues or what they want out of government. About half say they will not even vote.

To see so many of our youth not interested in the political process is deeply concerning. There are massive issues facing my generation — from climate change to social equality. We need our voices heard. We cannot expect change when we don’t voice our concerns by voting.

How do we get more young voters out on election day? Do we lower the voting age to 16? Do we make voting compulsory? Do we switch to e-voting? These are serious questions that have yet to be truly answered by politicians.

I think we should lower the voting age to 16. Many people may think that is too young but I disagree. There are unintelligent and immature adults who are allowed to vote.

I also believe voting should be mandatory. In Australia, you must vote in order to renew government documents, such as your driver’s license and passport.

Troy Sidarous, University of Guelph