If the results of recent civic elections around the country are anything to go by, Canadians are not enthusiastic participants in the democratic process.

A solid majority of Winnipeggers did not bother to vote for mayor, councillors or school board trustees on Oct. 28. Only about 38 per cent showed up at the ballot boxes, a turnout that was among the lowest in the last four decades.

In fact, in all major cities most citizens stayed at home. Torontonians were the most excited about their election, with 45.8 per cent voter participation, while scarcely 30 per cent of Edmontonians shuffled to the polls the last time a civic election was held. Since 2016, only three of 27 Canadian cities with populations over 200,000 averaged more than 40 per cent turnout in municipal elections.

Nor were smaller centres in Manitoba any more enthusiastic about democracy. In Brandon, 27.65 per cent voted (a big jump from only 17.9 per cent in 2022 and 16.9 per cent in 2018), while in Steinbach turnout was below 30 per cent. In Portage la Prairie, Steinbach, Winkler, Niverville and Selkirk, no one could be found to run against the incumbent mayors.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham blamed this on the public mindset. “There is an undercurrent of cynicism across our country right now that may be part of the reason people are not engaged, but I’m thankful for everyone who did go out to vote and I’m thankful for every candidate who put their name on a ballot,” he said.

I understand the cynicism. Personally, I am convinced that no matter who was elected this time, in four years my property taxes will still have gone up, crime will have increased, the downtown core will be even less appealing, our roads will continue to be a disgrace, and driving will still be a congested nightmare.

But I would like to point out another reason for the lack of voter interest: a failure on the part of aspiring local politicians to tell me why I should support them as opposed to anyone else or how their policies would differ from the others on the ballot. To be fair, there was some good discussion about issues by a handful of mayoral candidates, with Gillingham defending his record against attacks on his handling of crime, homelessness and transit. But most of the 12 candidates for mayor made no effort (or had no resources) to inform the public.

The situation was most dire in the races for councillor and school trustee. In my area of the city, four candidates were running for a seat on city council and 12 for the three school board positions. By reading their flyers and postings on the internet, a potential voter would learn that they all vowed to be hard-working, transparent and responsive, but very little else. School trustees unanimously came out in favour of a good education but spoke scarcely a word on issues. One candidate was asked directly on her Facebook page for her views about teaching sexuality. She declined to answer. Someone must have told the aspiring politicians that being identified with a particular policy will attract only negative attention.

In the next election, two things are required. First, voters must work harder to educate themselves on the real issues, not just the political platitudes: ask pointed questions if candidates show up at your door, bombard their email with your concerns, and attend debates. You might even want to contribute to a campaign fund if you happen across someone you can wholeheartedly support.

Secondly, those running for civic office must commit themselves to a greater expenditure of their time, resources and frankness if they wish for an informed vote. They must have enough money to distribute literature and advertise on social media, a team dedicated to canvassing door-to-door and answering questions, and a willingness to state what they stand for.

If more citizens are to be motivated to vote, smiling pictures on boulevard signs won’t cut it anymore.

Gerry Bowler is a Canadian historian, the author of several books on culture and European and social history, and a senior fellow of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.