It’s time to state opinions at the ballot box

It’s almost over! After a long, bitter campaign, the Battle for Alberta ends on Monday when voters go to polling stations across the province to elect a new government.

The campaign waged in Lethbridge has been hard-fought with the UCP and NDP clearly laying out their visions for a new Alberta.

Both have taken different strategies in their campaigning, the NDP focusing on what it considers failures by the UCP under Danielle Smith, particularly in regards to healthcare and education.

The UCP has taken what could be considered a more positive approach to the campaign, spotlighting its successes in the past four years.

The Liberal and Alberta parties have been virtually invisible in the campaign here except for West Lethbridge hopeful Pat Chizek’s participation in forums.

The approaches by the UCP and NDP have been as different as Alberta is polarized. But soon it’s over and Albertans can determine who is best to lead them for the next four years.

Both parties have made gaffes in the campaign, some of which have prompted quick apologies, one which as of this date hasn’t even been acknowledged by the party of the candidate who made it. Including the candidate himself.

And of course, we’ve heard of supporters - or opponents - of parties take matters into their own hands by destroying candidates’ signs.

Whether on public or private property this is shameful behaviour which all party leaders should speak strongly against.

Both the NDP and UCP have made strong arguments for voters to pick their representatives on Monday, a statement which will make avid supporters of both raise their voices in argument.

But to a dispassionate, detached audience, it’s true. And many in Alberta are detached.

We’ve heard from many people in the community they aren’t voting for one party, they’re voting against another. And there is a substantial number of undecided voters remaining, according to polls.

Polls have also shown the race to win the most seats in the Alberta legislature is a tight one. One poll shows the way likely voters perceive Smith and NDP leader Rachel Notley to be almost equal.

Some ridings in the province are considered safe for either party, others not so much. Lethbridge East is among those that is considered up in the air and while Lethbridge West may have seemed a safe bet for the NDP a few weeks ago, that may no longer be the case as the UCP has improved its stature in at least one poll.

We’ll find out on Monday night after 8 p.m. when the polls close who Albertans want them representing their communities and leading their province.

All bets are off on this one.

Good luck to all candidates on Monday. All of you did what so many won’t do - you showed the courage of your convictions to run for public office.

You put yourself up to public criticism which in the era of social media, can be harsher than ever. You mostly answered the tough questions from voters and the media and you never bowed or wavered in the faith of your beliefs and party platforms.

All of you who ran for election in Alberta deserve our respect and thanks for volunteering your service to this province that so many of us are proud and honoured to call home.