How’d They Vote? – Sadly No More

Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on September 13, 2012.


It is becoming increasingly more difficult to find non-partisan websites that provide helpful information to taxpayers. Sadly, earlier this month it became that much more difficult when one of the first websites of its kind, the often quoted but seldom credited “How’d They Vote” website ceased to function after a solid seven-year run.

If you never had a chance to visit this website, it was one of the first that provided a summary of data on politicians including voting records, absences in the house, dissentions, and even commonly used words. All of this information was provided in a transparent and easy to understand manner for members of the public. This type of overview not only provided a convenience for citizens, the information could also be used to help hold Members of Parliament to account. While much of this information can be located on Government websites, it is often much more difficult to locate and at times is presented in a less user-friendly manner.

Fortunately websites like OpenParliament.ca are still in existence that are carrying out this important work however as the shutdown of How’d They Vote has not gotten much media attention I feel it is important to note this unfortunate new development. For those of you who like to read a tad more on this, a link from the original webmaster can be found here...

http://www.canoe42.ca/blog.php?id=91