The voters have spoken, well at least a few of them did.
A byelection was held Wednesday in North Battleford, but a vast majority of those eligible to cast a ballot didn't bother.
A spunky newcomer to the local political scene, Kelli Saemann, won the three-way race to replace Trent Houk at the city council table. It was a resounding endorsement for Saemann, 27, who campaigned on the premise of representing a different demographic than that represented by other members of council.
The final tally had Saemann taking 387 of the 698 votes cast, with Ron Crush garnering 256 and Thomas Schwab, 55.
Congratulations to Saemann, but a failing grade to the approximately 10,302 voters who didn't care enough to show up at the poll. That's 85 per cent of those who could have had their say in who governs their city who apparently couldn't care less.
The debate about voter apathy raged briefly on a popular local Facebook site, where negativity, not positive suggestion for change, seems to be the trend.
Comments there indicated some didn't know there was an election, others complained no one actually campaigned for their vote and others opined that since city council elections are really just popularity contests there isn't any reason to vote.
As for not knowing, that's just absurd. For folks who profess to have their fingers on the pulse of what is happening in the city, mostly to do with crime, to not know about other community issues certainly denotes a high level of tunnel vision.
Calling civic elections "popularity contests" without offering any suggestions to make the process better is just making and excuse for being too lazy to vote.
Others posting on the site expressed their disgust with the lack of voter turnout. It was their opinion that anyone who didn't bother to indicate who they want to represent them on council has no room to complain about what that person does or does not accomplish.
One post suggested people in the city want quick fixes, but aren't willing to be part of the solution.
Councillor Ryan Bater probably put it best: "The world is run by those who show up."
It was a byelection, and it certainly wasn't a campaign marked by high drama and huge advertising budgets, but it is risky to suggest it was of no importance. Municipal government is the level of governance that is closest to the people it serves. These are the individuals who decide everything to do with day-to-day life in the city. To relegate the high level of transparency and accountability these local politicians hold dear to the support of a mere 15 per cent of voters is a frightening situation.
