Red Deer Reality Rant #58 - Election Day, Please Vote!

Hello there fellow Red Deerians, and Happy Monday! It’s a good day to live in Red Deer, Alberta, and Canada in general. In this country, we have a democracy. We are all very lucky to live here and have the opportunity to elect our leaders. Whether you are a conspiracy theorist or not, it’s important to understand the impact that your vote can have. Today I would like to speak to you about the importance of voting.

Some people I talk to say that they don’t bother voting because their one vote doesn’t count. I tell them it’s not true, but it would be if everyone collectively stopped voting. That’s the point, it’s a mass effort. If everyone I knew who says they don’t vote actually went out and voted, it would definitely sway a close election.

Here in Alberta, today, we have a close race between NDP and UCP. Many people who believe what I believe have abandoned hope. But I say, just get your butt down there and just do it! There have been leaders in the past who won with just five votes over! The implications are huge, because I know and have overheard a lot more than five people say that they are not voting.

Democracy is about choice, and it is your right to choose not to vote. But if you choose not to, then you don’t have the right to complain about the elected government, or even praise them. Because you could have made a difference, and you chose not to, if you don’t like the elected leaders it is your own fault in my opinion. The only case where I would say not to vote, is if you live under a rock and can’t name any of the leaders of at least some of the political parties.

Maybe those persons just need some education. Google it. There’s a plethora of information about politics, a google search is the best way to find like minded opinions about politics. Avoid too many news sources, a lot are biased and are too far right, or left even. There has to be a balance. If you are going to go with news sources, read both sides of the story and read both left and right papers. You will see the difference.

The best way to find out who to vote for is to learn what each candidate has pledged to do, and then vote for the one closest to your own ideals. But honestly, learn first and then decide. Don’t just go to one source and then you will be able to make your best decision. It is also important to dismiss all of the lies and misinformation and name calling by all of the candidates and focus solely on what they ARE doing and WILL do rather than the past and cheap shots by other parties. That’s all I have to say, we have until 8pm tonight, so let’s get it done and have your say in our elected government.

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