Be informed

Lawns signs touting the various local candidates have sprung up around town but there’s little other evidence of “election fever” heading into the second week of the official campaign for the June 12 vote.
Perhaps the election is being debated at coffee shop tables across the district, though it’s clear a trip to the polls to choose a new government doesn’t elicit the same kind of emotion as campaigns of yesteryear.
Truth be told, most Ontarians probably shudder at the thought of an election and get downright glassy-eyed by the flood of campaign ads and promises—if they bother to pay attention at all.
And no doubt this collective ho-hum attitude will be reflected in voter turnout numbers come election day.
That’s a shame. Selecting which individual will represent us at Queen’s Park—and which party will form the government—should be seen as one of the most important duties of “the people,” not an inconvenience.
This is our chance to have our say; to take an active role in deciding the future direction of our province. Surely that warrants taking the time to know where the candidates and parties stand on the various issues and—equally important—voicing our concerns to them.
Read the campaign literature rather than just toss it out. Grill the candidates if they come knocking at your door. Attend an all-candidates’ debate to weigh their responses for yourself.
Elections are the foundation of our democracy; when the power lies with the people to re-elect a government or turn to a new one.
It’s our choice. It’s also our responsibility, as voters, to make the effort to be informed prior to casting a ballot.