Public forums bust myths and address Manitoba’s democratic deficit
Two University of Manitoba political studies professors are leading a series of public forums that will educate Manitobans about elections and inspire them to engage with politics.
Voter turnout in Manitoba’s 2003 and 2007 elections were 54.2 per cent and 56.8 per cent respectively. Among those who didn’t vote, roughly six out of 10 people reported being too ill-informed about the political process to cast a meaningful ballot.
Professors Jared Wesley and Andrea Rounce, alongside the Manitoba Institute for Policy Research, are addressing this democratic deficit by hosting a series of public forums called U2011 around the province. The first one will be held at McNally Robinson booksellers in Winnipeg on Feb. 8, 2011. It’s titled, “Understanding Manitoba Politics and Elections”.
Other such events, some dealing with women in politics, some dealing in North-end politics, some dealing in campaign strategies and opinion polls, will be held in various locations around Winnipeg and in cities such as Brandon and Minnedosa.
The events are free and open to the public. Details of U2011 can be found at http://umanitoba.ca/u2011.
For video of researchers discussing U2011 and topics related to Manitoba elections, visit our YouTube channel by clicking here.
For more information contact Jared Wesley, Assistant Professor of Political Studies, University of Manitoba, 204-474-6410 ([email protected]),
Or
Sean Moore, public affairs, University of Manitoba, 204-474-7963 ([email protected]).
