Elementary schools should not be used as polling stations

To the editor:

Why are our elementary schools being used for polling stations? How many parents actually know that registered sex offenders still have the right to vote and will be put so close to our children?

If a child went missing from a school on election day would the polling shut down and the school go into lock down?

What measures have Elections Canada and the school boards put into place to ensure the safety of our children?

Are special school events being cancelled for the day?

S.T. Worden Public School in Courtice is having picture day on Oct. 14 on the stage in the gym. This will mean our kids will be separated by only a curtain from the general public. Elections Canada has told me elementary schools are being used because they have no other buildings available. What happened to our churches, community centres, colleges, even high schools?

Elections Canada also doesn't feel there is a security risk using elementary schools as voting stations, yet they have agreed to post a uniformed security guard at each school.

There must be some concern wouldn't you think? Why not make voting day a National PA day for Canadian schools?

Dave Leigh

Clarington