ELECTION DAY IN YORK: HOW WILL YOU VOTE?

From The Worthington Post

It being the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, this is Election Day in York Region. (Pictured: The Conagra Firehouse, one of 106 polling places.)

Elections are usually relatively placid affairs in York, and what controversial issues there might be are normally localized. The Regional Government traditionally has exercised little control over its independent-minded cities. What political parties there are have been relatively small and ever-changing. Lawmakers generally organize themselves in coalitions based on issues of the day rather than party or faction.

But over the last decade or so, that has begun to change. There is a growing debate over whether there should be a more organized, centrally-controlled regional approach to development, particularly as regards transportation infrastructure. YorkFirst says yes, claiming such an approach will result in a stronger economy and more efficient transportation flow. Integra says no, that the economy is doing quite well as it is and that the independence of York’s localities should be preserved.

The parties also differ on other issues, with YorkFirst espousing a philosophy somewhat comparable to that of America’s liberal Democrats and Integra that of America’s conservative Republicans.

The governorship and all regional legislative seats, as well as most mayorships and city/town council seats, are up for election today. Public opinion polls indicate a close race between Gilbert Girrard (YorkFirst) and Hale Iskoff (Integra) for the governorship.

Electoral Process: With each locality having slightly different voter eligibility laws and procedures, York’s regional election system is based on the U.S. Electoral College approach. Each locality has 1 electoral vote for each of its representatives in the Volkshaus and 2 electoral votes for each of its 2 senators. Each locality is represented by 1 volksman for every 22,115 citizens, with 1 additional rep for every number of citizens between 22,115 and 44,230. (Thus, even the smallest towns are represented by 1 volksman.) The most populated city, Worthington (506,000), has 25 electoral votes. Several cities and towns have but 3 or 4.

STAY TUNED FOR THE ELECTION RESULTS… TO BE POSTED TOMORROW. AND REMEMBER TO VOTE!