The day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. On Tuesday, April 16 Albertans head to the polls to vote in the provincial general election. The polling stations are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Your residential address determines which polling station you will vote at. There are maps and polling stations information from Elections Alberta on pages 6 to 10 of this newspaper to help you determine where you go to vote.
I love elections. Whether it’s a municipal, provincial or federal election, an election night is as exciting as Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals when the Calgary Flames are playing.
Elections are so enthralling because of the high stakes involved. First of all, the stakes are incredibly high for the candidates. It’s a winner takes all situation. There is absolutely nothing for second place except campaign expenses to pay and elections signs to take down. The stakes are also incredibly high for us, the voters. The direction our provincial government takes over the next four years has the potential to make enormous impacts in everything from the amount we pay in taxes to the regulations that will grow or restrict our economy. Considering the impact that elections and the governments that follow have on each and every one of us, I cannot comprehend why voter turnout is so low. Voter turnout four years ago in the last provincial election was only 57 per cent of eligible voters. How is it possible that 43 per cent don’t have an opinion on who they want to govern Alberta? What’s shocking is that 57 per cent was the largest turnout since 1993!
Our democratic system works when we all cast an informed vote. Mark a reminder in your calendar, tie a string around your finger, do whatever it takes to remember on April 16, let’s vote.
