Inform yourself before voting

Editor: What is an election? By definition, an election is as follows: “An election is the process of voting to choose someone to be their political leader or representative in government.” Short and to the point isn’t it? Maybe so, but many of us overlook the real reason behind elections, be they provincial, federal and yes, most importantly, civic or municipal.

The real reason we should vote is to exercise our privilege to vote fought for by so many of our friends, relatives and other forbears. Have you ever asked yourself this question, “why is the voting turnout so low at almost every type of election?”

It seems that a few decide for the masses. Why is that? Is it apathy? Is it thinking that your one vote can’t or won’t make a difference and that things are what they are? If it is any of these, “it’s time to get a checkup from the neck up to get rid of stinkin’ thinkin’!”

There are several things that need to be considered prior to casting a ballot (which we are approximately one year away from). Consider some of the following:

— Who’s running for office and what do they stand for? Do your homework. Don’t vote just because a person seems like a good person or they are your next-door neighbour. Do they fit your criteria?

— If this is an incumbent seeking re-election, review their past term and see what was good, bad or indifferent. If you are satisfied, vote for them. If not, make an informed decision as to who else to vote for, but vote.

— Have some issues you are concerned about and see who seems to be on side with them. This may help you choose when voting.

Why vote? Your municipality provides the day-to-day services you count on, such as fire and police services, water, parks, transit and public libraries.

Your municipality decides how your property tax dollars are spent. Your vote does make a difference.

Voting for your school board trustee is also important. Trustees decide how best to meet the needs of students by administering the building and maintenance of schools, hiring the teachers and staff needed to run them, and authorizing spending on educational programs and initiatives.

Take time well before an election to survey the candidates running for public office. Start checking as soon as you start to hear about prospective candidates. Don’t leave things to the 11th hour and make a panicked decision.

Go to more than one all-candidates meeting or any single candidate’s meeting to get a different perspective of each candidate. They may run into questions not addressed at a meeting that you attended and they may deal with things differently from one meeting to the next. Get the real picture.

Ron Barillaro, Penticton