On Sept. 20 lawn signs arose, door knocking began and brochures started arriving in our mail boxes, all signs of the upcoming election.
Signs that are unfortunately ignored by the majority of St. Albert’s residents. Traditionally municipal elections draw the smallest number of people out to cast their ballots.
How is council supposed to represent the voice of the majority when less than 50 per cent of residents vote?
I understand the ‘why bother’ attitude:
• I am only one person — my voice doesn’t matter
• The agenda is set — council doesn’t listen
• Things never change
• Things are working fine
• I don’t know the issues
• The weather is bad or the polling station is too far
If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain. Voting is your chance to be counted, even if your candidate isn’t elected. Your vote shows that you care about the future of St. Albert and building a healthy community. The simple act of marking a ballot tells our leaders what we think about decisions that affect our lives.
We need to create a ‘here’s why’ attitude:
• Decisions made by municipal councils have a lot of impact on people's lives
• Councils set the budgets and transit fees
• The city is entering into a critical planning stage
• We need to create a majority balanced council (show that the political system can accept differing points of view and can resolve them)
• It is our civic right and democratic duty (safeguards our freedoms)
The most important ‘here’s why’ is because you have the power to make your voice matter, as Cathy Heron so wonderfully states in her ads.
Keep in mind that you will be asked to vote for up to six council members. Six is the minimum not the maximum. Perhaps you only support three or four candidates; it’s OK to only vote for them. I think it is important to consider a few key things when deciding who to vote for:
• What is their knowledge of St. Albert and the key issues?
• Do they have critical-thinking skills and strategic planning abilities?
• Are they leaders in our community?
• Will they listen to the residents?
• Can they offer a fresh perspective and bring new ideas to the table?
• How much time and energy can they invest?
The only wasted vote is no vote at all. Let’s see a high majority voter turnout this year. On Oct. 18, I challenge all eligible St. Albert residents to exercise their right to be a part of the electoral process and vote for the candidates of their choice.
Bronwen Strembiski, St. Albert
