From an economic recession to a political recession.

Yes, our debt levels are unsustainable - but that does not warrant curbing the quality of our democracy. A myriad of new proposals from the Justice Ministry including reducing polling stations and voting hours will have substantial adverse effects, which is unjustified just to save "a few peanuts," as described by the Electoral Reform Society.

General and local election turnouts have been falling steadily since the end of the war, with only 61% of the electorate voting in 2005. Many more have become apathetic towards the political process since the expenses scandal. In this context, the government still has the audacity to say that it is willing to, in effect, compromise democracy in an effort to save some money.

By closing many polling stations will mean voters, including the elderly and disabled, will have to travel further to access their nearest polling station. Further, closing polling stations earlier will mean that some workers will not get back home in time to register their vote. This is not the democracy I know. Ultimately, less people will be able to vote.

This is, to say the least, a bit ironic. For years, the government has been trying to engage people and encourage them to vote, but now they are doing the opposite.

I understand our debt is very high and we need to make savings. If we can reduce how much we spend on the elections, without compromising voter turnout, I am all for it. Unfortunately, these proposals will affect the quality of our democracy.

We are in an economic recession; let us not make it a political one as well.