Dear editor,Many readers may have heard about the “robocall” election fraud scandal in recent months.By now people have heard the reports of phone calls designed to deter supporters of particular parties from casting their ballot by misdirecting them to the wrong polling site, or harassing them so they won’t vote at all.What may surprise readers, however, is that this election fraud was perpetrated in their own backyard, and the effects are very real.The Liberal Party has received multiple, credible complaints about election fraud in Vancouver Island North. When we consider that Conservative MP John Duncan only won by a margin of three per cent, we see the importance of each case of voter suppression being reported and investigated, if only to protect the legitimacy of Courtenay’s federal representative.That’s why we are calling on voters to assist Elections Canada in their investigation in Vancouver Island North. If you received a voice mail message misdirecting you to the wrong voting place or a harassing phone call during the last election, it is vital that you report it to Elections Canada at www.elections.ca/commissioner/complaint.aspx.This election fraud deprived the people of this community their say in choosing the person who represents you in Ottawa. This election fraud tried to silence Canadians and deprive voters in Vancouver Island North of their right to vote.It’s a problem the head of Elections Canada himself called “absolutely outrageous” — and it’s up to you to make your voice heard.If you were a victim of election fraud, the time to act is now.Bob RaeEditor’s note: Bob Rae is the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Comox Valley Record