Democracy’s Dilemma: 10 Game-Changing Ideas to Get You to the Polls
10 Shocking Ideas to End Voter Apathy Forever
Voter turnout in Tuesday’s Nova Scotia provincial election took a dramatic dive compared to 2021, raising questions about awareness, accessibility, and the impact of a snap election call. According to preliminary results from Elections Nova Scotia, just 45.3% of registered voters cast a ballot— still better than the 30% range for Municipal elections but down sharply from 55.1% in the last provincial election.
Of the 788,427 registered voters - people who were on the list and could have just showed up anywhere any time and voted - 357,048 participated, marking one of the lowest turnout rates in recent years. This decline wasn’t entirely unexpected, as the Oct. 27 snap election call gave candidates only four weeks to campaign before voting day.
In Canada, we have a big federal election coming up with high stakes but low expectations. Most believe the result will be a foregone conclusion based on polls and local talk. It’s a recipe for historically low turnout at the moment we should be most engaged and thinking long-term.
This graph, published by Elections Nova Scotia following the 2017 provincial election, shows turnout has been falling since the 1960s when about 82 percent of eligible voters cast ballots. (Elections Nova Scotia)
Unintended Consequences
When voter turnout is extremely low, those who cast a ballot hold amplified power. Each vote carries more weight, effectively representing the silent choice of those who abstain. In a district where only 45% of voters participate, the remaining 55% surrender their influence, giving the minority outsized control. This dynamic raises concerns about the legitimacy of election outcomes, as officials may reflect the views of only the most engaged subset. However, for those who do vote, low turnout creates a unique opportunity to wield greater influence over the community’s future.
The Missing Voter Cards - Did they make the difference?
Margaret Brigley, CEO of Narrative Research, highlighted a key factor in the turnout decline: the absence of mailed voter information cards (VICs). These personalized cards provide voters with critical details about when and where to vote.
“I think the wildcard in this election is the fact that not having voter cards distributed to homes,” said Brigley. “It assumed people were aware it was election day and didn’t need a reminder.”
Elections Nova Scotia opted not to send the cards, citing concerns over potential delays caused by a Canada Post workers' strike. This decision, though well-intentioned, likely affected turnout, particularly among seniors and others who rely on traditional mail for election information.
The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) was critical of the move, calling it short-sighted. Many seniors, they argued, do not use the internet regularly and depend on the postal service for updates about voting.
Media Habits and Election Awareness
Brigley also pointed to shifting media consumption habits as a factor. With fewer people relying on traditional news outlets like newspapers and local radio, awareness of the election may not have reached all voters.
“The assumption would be that people were listening to the news or reading the paper,” she said. “But we know media habits have changed so much, and sadly many people don’t follow traditional media anymore. A lot of people are streaming or listening to satellite radio, and that’s a real problem.”
Election Day Turnout Shows Mixed Results
Naomi Shelton, director of policy and communications with Elections Nova Scotia, emphasized that the full analysis of voter turnout would take months to complete. However, she noted some nuances: early voting was slightly down compared to 2021 but higher than in 2017.
“We did see a strong voter turnout on election day,” Shelton said. “But we have to wait for the official number to understand the full picture.”
Fixing Fixed Election Dates
The research and data on fixed election dates is that timing matters. Elections fixed to co-incide with larger elections has been shown to increase turnout by up to 30%. But here in Nova Scotia the talk has been the opposite - the mixing elections causes ‘voter burnout’ making voters less likely to participate. Though this is just anecdotal theory it is doubtful that fixed election dates are going to solve the voter engagement problem. Like Yogi Beara said, “If people don’t want to go to the ballgame, you can’t stop them.”
What’s Next for Nova Scotia Elections?
The sharp decline in voter participation raises broader questions about how to engage and inform voters in a changing media landscape. Brigley’s observations and CARP’s concerns underscore the importance of accessibility and outreach. Without these, barriers to voting could continue to erode turnout in future elections.
While Elections Nova Scotia awaits post-election reports to draw conclusions, the early data offers a stark reminder: in a world of evolving media habits and logistical challenges, ensuring voters are informed and engaged remains a growing challenge.
Is Low Voter Turnout About Systems or Personal Responsibility?
10 Bold Ways to Reignite Civic Engagement
Nova Scotia’s sharp decline in voter turnout raises a tough question: is this problem about flawed systems—like missing voter cards and outdated outreach—or is it a deeper issue of personal responsibility, civic engagement, and the lack of purpose people feel in our democracy?
Voting isn’t just a citizen’s duty; it’s the gateway drug to civic engagement. If fewer people bother to vote, it’s a sign that our collective sense of ownership over democracy is eroding. Here are 10 provocative ways to incentivize voting. Any of all of them could be used to rebuild the bridge between citizens and their democratic purpose:
1. Non-Voter Majority = No Representation
Concept: If the "non-voter" count (those who don’t show up) outnumbers the votes for any candidate, the district is left without a representative for the term. It sends a strong message about accountability and the consequences of apathy.
Implications:
Sparks intense debates about civic responsibility.
Forces political parties and candidates to actively engage non-voters.
Adds weight to the idea that non-voting has a real consequence.
Challenges:
Could disenfranchise entire districts, potentially leading to worse governance.
Might demoralize citizens if their district is left without representation.
Alternative Refinement: High-turnout areas gain a set bonus for civic engagement.
2. Voting For Cash and Prizes
Create a system where individuals or districts earn points or rewards for high turnout. For example:
Personal Incentives: Tax credits, discounts on government services, or lottery entries for voters.
Community Incentives: High-turnout districts could receive public infrastructure grants, parks, or other tangible benefits.
3. Make Voting a Party
Turn election day into a celebration with food trucks, music, and public events at polling stations. Highlight the social aspect of voting rather than making it feel like a chore.
Walk, Run, Bike, Swim, Wheelchair, Walker, Skateboard/Scooter to the polls events.
4. Fine for Not Voting (Australian Model)
Introduce a small, symbolic fine for failing to vote without a valid excuse. Australia uses this system and consistently achieves turnout rates of 90%+.
Add an opt-out mechanism for conscientious objectors to avoid criticism of forced participation.
5. Public Shaming or Transparency
Publish anonymized voter participation rates at a community level (e.g., by neighborhood or district) to encourage peer pressure.
Use “nudge” strategies, such as sending reminders that "85% of your neighbors voted last election" to create social proof.
6. Rank Non-Voting as a ‘Vote’
Allow voters to choose "none of the above" as an explicit option. If "none of the above" wins, it triggers a re-election with new candidates.
It gives disillusioned voters a voice without apathy being mistaken for laziness.
7. Mandatory Political Education
Introduce civic engagement classes in high schools and tie them to a graduation requirement, ensuring every young person understands the power and responsibility of voting.
Require citizen licences, gained through online civics tests to vote, thereby impressing the idea that voting is a privilege and big responsibility.
Or, require that candidates themselves have a formal education and certificate in government, with public scores, before they can be qualified to run for public office. When a player comes up form the minor leagues everyone wants to know their stats - could it be the same for new candidates and returning hitters?
8. Same-Day Voter Registration
Remove barriers by allowing same-day registration at polling places. Many non-voters, not included in the above figures of registered voters, cite registration deadlines and details as an obstacle.
9. Mobile and Online Voting
Leverage technology to make voting easier and more accessible. Secure online voting options could dramatically increase participation, especially among younger voters.
10. Celebrate First-Time Voters
Recognize and celebrate first-time voters publicly with a certificate, photo, or mention in local media to create a sense of pride and accomplishment.