N.B. political system creates voter apathy, says professor

Fewer people will vote in the upcoming New Brunswick provincial election in part because of the political system itself, predicts Paul Howe, a political science professor at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.

Voter apathy has plagued recent elections in the province, especially among the younger population.

The last provincial election in 2010 saw the lowest voter turnout in New Brunswick in more than 30 years, according to Elections New Brunswick.

• N.B. voter turnout lowest since 1978

One reason voters are turning away is the political system, says Howe.

"Last time around, about 16 per cent of people voted for a party that got no representation in the legislature," said Howe.

"So the whole idea of a proportional system where all the votes do count is something I think we should be looking at. We've had some discussion but we've never had a full public debate or public referendum on the issue, which is something I would like to see happen."

The 38th New Brunswick general election takes place Sept. 22.