In Courtenay, as in the rest of Canada, voting is more than just a civic duty, it鈥檚 a powerful tool for shaping the future of our community.
From affordable housing to environmental policy, local and national leaders make decisions that affect our everyday lives. Yet, voter turnout in municipal, provincial, and federal elections often falls short, and when people do vote, they don鈥檛 always do so strategically. In a city like Courtenay, where elections can be close and vote splitting is a real concern, strategic voting is essential.
The Comox Valley is a region that has seen tight races at both the federal and provincial levels. In the 2021 federal election, for example, the North Island-Powell River riding was decided by a margin of just a few thousand votes. Similarly, provincial elections in the Courtenay-Alberni riding have been won by razor-thin margins. In 2017, the BC NDP won by only nine votes; proving that a handful of ballots can decide the outcome.
When voter turnout is low, the voices of a few can disproportionately shape policies on issues like infrastructure development, healthcare access, and climate action. If young voters, renters, and environmental advocates stay home, their priorities may not be reflected in the government鈥檚 decisions.
Courtenay, like the rest of Canada, operates under a first-past-the-post electoral system, meaning that candidates can win even without a majority of the vote. This creates a risk of vote splitting where similar candidates divide support, allowing another candidate to win with a smaller percentage.
For example, if two progressive candidates run against a single conservative candidate, the progressive vote could be divided, unintentionally leading to the election of a representative who does not reflect the majority鈥檚 values. Strategic voting helps prevent this by ensuring votes are consolidated behind the candidate with the best chance of winning while still aligning with voters鈥� key priorities.
This doesn鈥檛 mean abandoning principles; it means making an informed, pragmatic choice. If voters want action on issues like sustainable development, Indigenous reconciliation, or social services, they need to assess which candidate is most likely to achieve those goals rather than simply voting for their first choice without considering the bigger picture.
Strategic voting is only effective when voters are informed. Before heading to the polls, Courtenay residents should take time to research:
- Who is running in their riding? Understanding candidate platforms and policies, finding who best aligns with your values.
- What do the polls say? While not always 100 per cent accurate, polling data can indicate which candidates have the best chance of winning. Ensuring your vote is a part of the bigger picture.
In Courtenay, where elections can be won or lost by a handful of votes, showing up to the polls isn鈥檛 enough it鈥檚 crucial to vote strategically. By making informed decisions and considering the broader electoral landscape, voters can help ensure that their ballots contribute to meaningful change. In a time when key issues like affordability, climate action, the prominent opioid crisis, and community growth are at stake, every vote matters鈥攅specially when cast with intention.
