October 16, 2024
HALIFAX – The city of Halifax is on the cusp of a pivotal moment in its history as residents prepare to elect their next mayor. However, the candidates vying for the top spot are facing an unexpected hurdle: widespread apathy and a lack of public engagement with municipal politics.
“I think that Haligonians, and Canadians in general, are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the political process,” said Dr. Lori Turnbull, a professor of political science at Dalhousie University. “This is particularly true at the municipal level, where voters often feel disconnected from the candidates and the issues they're running on.”
This disconnect is evident in the low voter turnout that has plagued Halifax's mayoral elections in recent years. In the 2016 election, only 44% of eligible voters cast their ballots, a number that has been steadily declining since 2000.
Abu-Laban's strategy is part of a broader effort to revitalize the democratic process in Halifax. “We need to make politics more accessible and inclusive,” said Rachel Doran, a local activist who has been working to increase voter engagement. “That means using social media, hosting events in community centers, and really trying to reach out to people who might not normally participate in the electoral process.”
Despite these efforts, there are still many barriers to voter engagement. “I think a lot of people feel overwhelmed by the amount of information out there,” said Dr. Turnbull. “With the rise of social media, it's easy to get bogged down in a sea of competing narratives and fact-checking. This can be particularly challenging for people who are already disillusioned with politics.”
The consequences of this apathy could be severe. “If we don't get more people engaged in the electoral process, we're going to see the same old same old,” said Doran. “The same candidates, the same policies, and the same disconnection between voters and their elected representatives. That's not healthy for democracy.”
As the mayoral election heats up, it remains to be seen whether the candidates will be able to overcome the apathy and lack of awareness that has plagued Halifax's municipal politics for so long. One thing is certain, however: the future of the city depends on it.
October 18, 2024
Boxing legend Kostya Tszyu has recently opened up about his family life and the sacrifices he made for his career in a heart-wrenching interview th...
January 14, 2025
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made the shocking announcement that Mike McCarthy will not be returning as the team's coach, leaving fans stun...
September 28, 2024
Imagine being able to launch your favorite apps from the lock screen or Control Center of your iPhone. Sounds like a game-changer, right? With an e...
September 16, 2024
Starting September 16, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is set to undergo a significant change, one that will affect millions of users across t...