With a new provincial election upon us, it’s incumbent on every Albertan who is old enough to do their civic duty and vote.
There’s no two ways around it.
The ability and duty to elect our political and social leadership is something we need to take seriously. It’s something many people the world over are fighting and dying for, so for us to shirk that responsibility would be tantamount to rejecting all that we as Canadians hold dear.
What should make every Albertan think hard about voting, and for whom to cast their ballot, is the opportunity this election provides.
Or rather, the opportunity every election provides.
Like every election, this one allows the people of Alberta to choose the direction they want to see the province head for at least the next four years.
If you’re happy with the direction the current government is heading, then vote to keep that party in government.
If you’re not, then vote for someone else.
One vote may not seem all that important, but hundreds or thousands of those single votes can make all the difference.
It’s all a matter of perspective how you choose to use your vote.
Take into consideration the issue of the ‘do nothing’ committee that paid its members $1,000 a month since 2008, despite not sitting since 2008.
Or the issues surrounding health care. No matter your thoughts on those issues, it’s something that simply can’t be ignored.
And what about education? Our children must be educated somehow in order to give them a good start on life and keep the Alberta economy growing.
Each party running in this election has a point of view on each of these topics, and on many more. And each one wants you to hear their message, and think about what they have to say.
It’s got to be said — the Progressive Conservatives have been in power for more than 40 years. They must be doing something right to have lasted that long.
That being said, perhaps change is needed. Perhaps 40 years is enough. Perhaps the Wildrose Alliance or Liberals or Alberta Party present a better future.
Just because you or your family has always been a dyed-in-the-wool Conservative, NDP, Liberal or Socred, it doesn’t mean you can’t change your allegiance if something prompts you.
Politics shouldn’t be about power and winning at all costs. It should be about doing the best for your constituency, no matter the political leanings.
We’re not here to tell you how to vote. We’re not here to say if you vote for Leslie Penny, Maureen Kubinec, Trudy Grebenstein, Lisa Grant or Link Byfield, that you’re throwing your vote away.
We’re telling you to consider the issues and choose the candidate you think speaks to your issues the best.
And vote!
