VOTERS MUST GET INVOLVED

Anyone concerned about the political future of Saskatchewan should not wait until the next general election to take action. Very compelling leadership races are underway in the two main political parties. The readership numbers show audiences have been very interested in watching the political wrangling. But watching is a word that proves problematic when it comes to influencing the positions taken by parties and their leadership.

For the NDP, it is a two-way race between Trent Wotherspoon and Ryan Meili. For the Sask. Party, there are six candidates to consider: Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Rob Clarke, Ken Cheveldayoff, Alanna Koch, Scott Moe and Gord Wyant.

Unlike general elections, the only way to have a vote in a leadership race is to buy a membership. This requires more action than just getting on the voters’ list. It means putting some money on the line ($10 for a one-year membership to each party) and joining up with a group aligned with certain policies and history.

This is an uncomfortable proposition for many. Perhaps none of the options available is perfect, or will completely line up with the political views of an individual. And maybe none of the people who have thrown their hats in the ring seems like a perfect choice.

Just as people say “I hold my nose and vote”, perhaps they also need to hold their noses and buy party memberships.

Right now, eight people are fighting to be the premier. During the 2020 election campaign there will be only two — unless a miracle happens in another provincial party like the Liberals.

(Of course, it is not just the leadership race that will be affected by who buys memberships. Who gets to run to become a member of the legislative assembly is also determined by the membership.)

Special-interest groups are well aware of the need to organize and vote during leadership races. This was exhibited last week, as RightNow — which advocates for increased limitations on abortions — surveyed the Sask. Party leadership hopefuls, and ranked them according to how they line up with the pro-life agenda.

If single-issue voters are buying memberships to influence and shape parties, the average voter needs to also be casting ballots. There should be members from both rural and urban parts of the province. There should be voters of all ages, ethnicities and income levels.

Diversity among party members means leadership candidates will have a variety of issues put in front of them, and they will be speaking for a wider base of citizens.