Election Fever

Elections are looming large upon us. In the USA they are gearing up for gubernatorial, senate and congressional races. Here in Canada we have the upcoming municipal elections to worry about.

The municipal elections are supposedly non-partisan as no candidate is elected on his or her political affiliation. They are supposedly elected as well-meaning, civic minded citizens trying to do some good for the local village, town, city or region they are running in. Although we all know better, 'real' politics never enters into it.

But the whole election thing got me thinking about floor crossers. You know, those people who run under one banner and then when elected cross the floor to join the other side.

I don't know if it happens in the States or even if it's allowed, but I imagine if it did there would be a humongous hue and cry from the general populous about non-representation. Over here we moan about it for a little while and then get back to minding our own business.

Floor crossing doesn't happen in municipal elections per se because there is no floor to cross. But it does happen in provincial and federal elections. The point I wish to make is that as long as it is allowed, there should be some stringent rules about it.

If I voted for a Conservative candidate who, after being elected, crossed the floor to sit with the Liberals, I'd be pissed. If I wanted a Liberal to represent me, I would've voted for one. As far as I'm concerned, at the moment the member switches sides, I don't have any representation anymore.

At that point, the member should be suspended from sitting until a by-election is held and the wishes of the people are made known. If the floor crosser wins, fine, the people have spoken. But the said floor crosser should be made to pay for the expense of a by-election he/she caused by trading sides in the first place.

Same goes for a member who abandons his seat in search of loftier goals before his term is complete. If you have to quit for health reasons or you die in office, that's one thing. But to turn your back on the electorate for a higher paying job half way through your term doesn't cut it. The member again should have to bear the cost of the by-election required to replace him.

On average a by-election costs the voters $5.00/head. A mere pittance you say. Perhaps, but remember in both cases you are not represented the way you wished to be when you voted. The business of government carries on and perhaps some laws you disagree with are passed. True, it's unlikely one vote will make a difference, but it is possible. With the salaries, expense accounts and other perks we give our elected members they can certainly foot the bill to find their replacements. Maybe they'll even think twice before they pull such stunts.

I don't know about you, but if I disagree with my boss I either grin and bear it or look for another job. By giving my notice, I am paying the employer to find my replacement. A politician can sit with his own party, even if he disagrees with their policies until the next scheduled election comes around. Then he can trade sides easily, honestly and with no added expense to the electorate. If he can't wait to get away, let the by-election expense be his notice and he pays for his replacement.