Exercise your freedom to vote

Dear Editor: Each time an election is called in our province it conjures up several thoughts. They range from: who to vote for to what difference will my one vote make to why vote when the outcome has been the same for so long. Ring any bells? If so, it’s wake up time!

Here are few real reasons to vote (my personal reasons for voting all these years):

This is a privilege of our democracy that people in other parts of the world would love to have.

This is a privilege of our democracy that our parents and grandparents fought and died to preserve.

This is your chance to influence the government that affects you.

If you are reading this then likely you are intelligent, we need intelligent people voting.

If the wrong people are elected they might spend your money unwisely.

The wrong people elected might represent you and your town, city, municipality in a way you do not want to be represented.

Voter turnout in B.C.is low. Provincial elections have had around a 52 per cent eligible voter turnout. (Don’t let a few voters determine the fate of this province!).

If you have been embarrassed by your elected officials, vote for change.

If you think your elected officials could do a better job, send a message with your vote.

If you want to set an example for the future generations, then demonstrate that democracy is a good thing by voting.

Voting day is rapidly approaching. The TV ads are flying thick and fast. Prospective MLA candidates are here; there and everywhere. They all want your vote and promise you “the moon on a silver platter .”

How many times have we seen promises that have not been kept?

Look southward and see what Donald Trump’s promise list looks like. It’s easy to promise; but sometimes difficult to deliver. Keep this in mind. The big questions that need to be answered are: “What do I do? Who do I vote for?” My suggestion is this. Let your conscience be your guide when you vote; not your heart! After you have mulled things through vote, your conscience but get out and vote. Ron Barillaro

Penticton

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