That the following resolution from the City of Cambridge, regarding Request to the Region of Waterloo to Consider Free Public Transportation on Election Days, be endorsed by the Municipality of Clarington:
Whereas there has been an overall and consistent decline in voter turnout for municipal, provincial, and federal elections in Canada and in Waterloo Region, despite the act of voting being essential to the proper functioning of the democratic process;
And whereas many residents struggle to access transportation to polling stations on election days, due to a lack of transportation available, physical mobility or accessibility issues, and/or socioeconomic status;
And whereas any initiative to boost attention and incentives to vote on election days warrants attention and exploration in order to assist the democratic process and increase voter turnout;
Now therefore be it resolved that correspondence be sent to the Region of Waterloo on behalf of Cambridge Council to request free public transportation on election day for the Municipal and School Board Election, as well as for the Provincial, and Federal Election days, so as to generate more attention about elections and polling station locations, and to encourage and make it possible for more residents to vote, that would otherwise be unable to access their polling stations.