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Following are a collection of reader responses to stories or letters to the editor for the fourth week of March 2024. They have been edited slightly for readability. 

Got something you want to add? Send an email to editor Marshall Jones at mjones@infonews.ca.

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iN RESPONSE to March 24 newsletter editorial on how to raise the low voter turnout

I think the issue is lack of engagement. It seems that modern elections are about who is most effective at smearing the other party. People hardly pay attention to their local candidate instead focusing all their ire at the party leader. This has led to a large segment of the population feeling that voting doesn’t matter — all choices are equally bad and they just hate everyone.My solution is to ban all advertising that doesn’t address some policy issue. Describe your solution to taxes, or low wages. Tell me how you’re going to make housing truly affordable. I don’t care what you think about the other guy.The second part of the issue is electoral reform. End first past the post, and bring in some system that will mean that every vote counts. Canada is one of a very few countries still working on a first past the post, and it is ruining our political discourse. — Alex McGilvery, via email

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The problem I have is that living in B.C as I do, the decision has already been made before my vote is even counted. I feel that my vote is totally irrelevant. So therefore the decisions are made by the eastern provinces period. Makes it a little tough to make the effort. — Gloria Davidson, via email

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No question that it's pathetic that more than a third of people who are Canadian citizens and of legal age traditionally don't bother to vote. While the percentages differ across the country and in some provinces or territories, the percentage of voters is quite different from the national average, we need to require all who are of sound mind vote. If an individual is considered by a medical professional to not be capable of understanding the issues and/or the platforms of the political parties and their candidates, they would be exempt from this requirement.
I seem to remember that a requirement of this type is made in Australia, and for those who are not exempt, I believe that a fine is imposed. — Bob Mason, Summerland, via email

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Might we discuss this option from New Zealand? "If you’re eligible to enrol to vote, and you live in New Zealand, then you must do so. If you’re eligible to enrol to vote, but you do not live in New Zealand, then it’s your choice whether you enrol or not." — Jonathan McCormick, via email

Kamloops woman dies, husband in critical condition after collision in Jamaica

I am confident that there are both graveyards and cremation facilities in Jamaica. The idea that people should donate money to ship remains around the planet is enormously selfish. I am sorry but she is deceased. She is entirely unaware of where she is "resting". — William Mastop

iN NUMBERS: No big deal, just Vernon ultra athlete Shanda Hill's latest race

What an inspiration. Well done! — Bonnie Derry

WHL awards expansion franchise to Penticton Vees

Vernon needs a team. Sure the arena is kind of small but it's bigger than some in Saskatchewan as is the population. — Mac Gordon

'Unprovoked' West Kelowna stabbing of friend earns 20-month jail sentence

This judge should resign. Twenty months instead of four years is a joke and brings the administration of justice into public disrepute. — Jack Pearl

Kamloops, Okanagan shoppers saw troubling signs before The Bay's liquidation plans

Most news articles are stating that the demise of The Bay is due to changes in shoppers habits. I disagree. Many people that I know did continue to go to the physical store. The selection had been whittled down. Many brands were no longer available. The stores were half empty of merchandise. Online was not much better. In recent years most items were sold out. I have been a Bay shopper all of my life. In 2017 and 2018 there was much more selection online. In the last 3 to 4 years both the online quantity and selection drastically diminished. The elevator at my nearest location has not been repaired in more than 8 months. It really appears that there was no intention of keeping the store in business. A committee of judges should really examine what really happened here. — Marie Williams

Smith meets Carney, demands oil policy changes and warns national unity at stake

As a long time voter (I'm old) for the BC Social Credit Party and then the BC Liberal Party and federally for the Conservative Party.  I’ve never voted for any Liberal or NDP party. I will be voting for Liberal leader Mark Carney to continue to be our Prime Minister. He’s obviously the best choice.  — Robert Bishop 

How Kelowna crime compares to other US and Canadian cities

Violent crime is the real issue and our violent crime is not anywhere close to our American neighbours. Moreover, the differences in petty/property crime may stem from Americans reporting fewer of these lesser crimes in comparison to violent crimes which they have always had far greater rates than we have. — Mac Gordon

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor. 

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