How do we get more people to vote?

[goggolor]

Having the polling stations be more accessible is a good start. In 2010, I didn't bother to vote because the polling station for my address was not convenient for transit from my home. I would have had to walk 25 minutes each way or take a poorly-scheduled bus halfway and then walk. In contrast, if I lived a few blocks to the north in Waterloo I would have had the option of voting at Waterloo City Hall or Conestoga Mall. I even contacted the City of Kitchener to find out about my options and was told, "Tough luck, we can't put polls within 5 minutes of every voter." Frankly I didn't feel compelled enough by the candidates then to go through the effort (yes, I'm a bad citizen).

This year Kitchener allowed advance voting at many locations so I was able to vote at Kitchener City Hall on my way to the Market, in about 5 minutes.