Friday, October 16, 2015

A Few Dos & Don'ts to Get You Through Election Day

Canadians are coming to the end of a Federal Election Campaign that has been way too long & nasty.  Many of us can't bring ourselves to turn on the news at the end of the day anymore, we are so done with this.

However, we still have a few days left before election day, and this is important.  Democracy is important.

Given all this, I wanted to share with you my thoughts on what you should and shouldn't be doing up to the point you cast your ballot -

DON'T wait until you are at the polling station to choose your candidate.  I really don't want to hear later, that the # 1 google search question on October 19 was "Who is Stephen Harper?".  That's not giving democracy the respect it deserves.

DON'T base your decision on what the main stream media says.  No matter what the media says, their analysis of the parties & candidates is tainted - sometimes purposefully in my opinion.  Basing an important decision only on what you hear on the 6 o'clock news is wrong.

DO your homework.  You still have some time.  Consider what's important to Canada, from your perspective.  Is the economy the most important issue right now?  Social programs?  How do you feel about governments running deficit budgets?  Next, visit the party websites and find out where each party stands.  Do you homework and you will have no problem making an informed choice on election day.

DO get to know your local candidate.  I know, it may be a bit late in the game for that, but if you can, find out about your local candidates - they are the people you will be selecting from on your ballot.  Most have their own web site or facebook page, and most will be out & about this weekend doing some last minute campaigning.

DON'T rely on social media to make your decision.  Much of  what I have seen on social media this campaign has not been worth the time to read - some of it quite disgusting.  It's generally not a good place to get accurate information.  On anything.

DON'T not vote.  Please don't pass this opportunity by because you're too busy, it's too confusing, it won't matter anyway, etc. etc.  Democracy is important.  Many of us had a parent/grandparent/great grandparent that went to war to defend our right to vote.  Many lost their lives defending that right.  There are places in the world today where people are losing their life because they feel democracy is important. Democracy is important, and it's your duty as a citizen of Canada to educate yourself and make an informed decision.

DO share this with your friends, and encourage them to take the steps they need to, in order to make an informed decision.  

Hopefully this helps you get to the polling station on election day with the confidence you need to cast your ballot.

Let me know your thoughts.


Regards,

Bud James