International Day of Democracy Day Today

By 250 News

Victoria, B.C.- B.C.’s Chief Electoral Officer Harry Neufeld is calling on British Columbians to take a moment today , the  first ever International Day of Democracy, to register to vote or confirm or update their voter registration for the 2009 provincial election.

Today is the United Nations’ inaugural International Day of Democracy.  Neufeld says  it  should remind us of the importance of a healthy democracy and the fundamental role voting plays in maintaining the health of our democracy.   “Registering to vote and exercising this important constitutional right is fundamental to the success of the democracy we have come to enjoy as Canadians.”

He says the concept of democracy is often taken for granted until  we see images of long line ups of people in new democracies waiting for their turn  to  cast a ballot.  “The right to vote means so much to people who haven’t had it. We celebrate the images of free and fair elections; we are very troubled when we see news of elections that do not represent democratic principles.”

Neufeld said voting is just one part of a healthy democracy but a critical part.

“The first International Day of Democracy is the perfect time to ensure you are registered to vote in a British Columbia provincial election.  I encourage all persons, particularly those who have recently turned 18 years of age, to take a moment today to register.”

To be eligible to vote in a B.C. provincial election, a person must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age and a resident of B.C. for six months or more.   Elections BC offers an online voter registration service at www.elections.bc.ca or you can call Elections BC toll free at 1-800-661-8683 for assistance with your voter registration.

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