As you contemplate going to the polls this Monday, Oct. 21 for the general election, remember one important thing: your vote matters.
Granted, in federal politics, the current Conservative Party candidate — whether he or she is the incumbent or the newcomer — has the job as long as they want it.
And while every MP has an important job at Parliament, we know from the get-go we’re electing a backbencher.
At the provincial level, it’s much the same story, though our riding holds a fair bit more significance.
However, barring a major political shift in Alberta, or giant space ants enslaving the human race and our current MLA swearing fealty to our new insect overlords, the next provincial election is still a foregone conclusion.
It can be said, at least for us, that all votes in an election are equal, but some votes are more equal than others — all apologies to George Orwell.
So if you want an election that really truly “counts,” Westlock, then this is it.
At a minimum, we’re guaranteed five new faces on town council, including a new mayor.
On the Pembina Hills school board, only one trustee from Swan Hills is in by acclamation. While over in Westlock County, only three incumbent candidates have been guaranteed a seat on council for the next four years.
Let us stress we’re not telling you to vote against the incumbents, or to vote for them. We’re just pointing out the possibility for change.
The reason this election features so many candidates is because they all feel that there’s now an opportunity for change. And with amalgamation peeking over the horizon, it could be a very important change, indeed.
For good or ill, however, the responsibility for enacting that change — or maintaining the status quo — lies with you. Whatever else you do, cast a ballot on Oct. 21.
