Education Key To Increasing Voter Turnout in Milton

By Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Milton Reporter

Ontario Premier Doug Ford won his second majority with 43.49% of the overall voter turnout; the lowest since 1995. Milton placed last among the four area Halton ridings with only 42.25% of registered voters turning out to vote.

Stephanie Celso finds the statistic says a lot about people’s habits. “It’s really sad to see people so vocal on social media, or other platforms, and yet don’t seem to be willing to look into options,” she said. As a fifth grade teacher, Celso realizes how important it is to educate people when they’re young. “Let them know that when you’re in a democratic society that’s one of your advantages,” she added. She stressed people need to realize the different levels of government. “If people are going to be voting at this time, thinking they are going to stop the Liberals at the federal level, they need to educate themselves that this is not the same,” she added.

 “In a lot of the high schools, they do mock elections,” maybe by high school it’s too late,” Margaret Doma said. Doma suggested making a part of schooling all the way back to Kindergarten. She believes the reason people don’t vote is that they just don’t care. “It could be that people think it’s a done deal, so why bother,” she said. The Ford government still had sixteen months left on its mandate. Doma also raised the possibility of mandatory voting, similar to what Australia uses; a ranked ballot where voters number their choices from most to least preferred.  According to the National Election commission, a 2023 referendum garnered 89.95% turnout. Voters are assessed $20 fines for not participating.

 Gloria Gallipeau believes it’s a matter of culture. “I was brought up to value the vote. I can’t sit around the kitchen table and complain if I haven’t taken some action.” She urges people to inform themselves by checking on the Internet, and talking to friends. “You need to value the vote, to then want to know more of why, and what it is to be somewhat informed when you vote.” She suggests that it’s on the political parties themselves to communicate more about their platforms.

Four of Six Parties Attend Milton’s Only All-Candidates Meeting

Southside Community Church hosted the only All-Candidates meeting for the entire campaign. Candidates from  the New Democratic Party (NDP), Ontario Centrist, New Blue, and Ontario Liberals all attended, facing questions on topics including healthcare, education, and transit. Candidates for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, and Green Party did not attend.

On healthcare, both the NDP, and Liberals propose to hire more doctors, and nurses. The NDP wants to open up operating rooms. “We want to deliver team-based approaches that integrate evening, and weekend supports,” Liberal candidate Kristina Tesser Derksen said. The New Blue Party hopes to bring back doctors and nurses who have left the field.

New Blue Candidate John Spina is against the proposed CN Intermodal, and wants the province to take it seriously. “If it’s moving forward, we need to earmark routes where the transports will be allowed to travel, it would at least keep some of our roads safe.” The 400 acre intermodal facility was approved in January, 2021 by cabinet, and has faced strong opposition from the community. The Region of Halton has fought the development through the courts, citing health, safety as well as jurisdictional issues. They are currently awaiting a decision on whether they can appeal to the Supreme Court.

Voting Day is February 27 2025. For more information including on your local polling station please visit Elections Ontario’s official website.