So, despite the fact we already have a fixed date in 2016 set for our next provincial election, the Prentice PCs are going to subject us to another one, ASAP (May 5).
Clearly, Prentice and his PCs looked at the current political situation in this province and gauged that, after the nine-member Wildrose floor crossing which gutted actual opposition in this province last year, it’s time to strike while the iron’s hot.
Fixed election dates, obviously, are only fixed until they need fixing – as in the government in power taking advantage of a pro-government situation.
The theory, we’re assuming, at least in PC eyes, is that Wildrose is still reeling from the floor crossing and will be unable to mount a serious offensive this month.
What remains to be seen is whether voting Albertans in general, like those in Highwood who ousted Smith as their candidate in favour of Okotoks Councillor Carrie Fischer (not to be confused with Carrie Fisher of Star Wars fame) will lash out at the PCs or simply hand them yet another majority government.
If you’re angry about an early election being called, you have every right to be. And if you’re angry about the way your current provincial government is handling things, there’s no better time to let your vote mean something.
In fact, this would be a good time for all those who complain about government to actually go ahead and do something about it. Support it or remove it; but do it with a strong, province-wide voter turnout.
Each time there is an election, at any of the forums which take place and at which Outlook reporters attend, there are always many who speak up and speak out about certain, or many, concerns they have with the government. At the same time, voter turnout is generally pathetic which makes one wonder where the complainers are on election day.
Does a pathetic turnout reflect an apathetic populace?
Last election, a measly 54 per cent of voters bothered to cast a vote and ensure their interests were taken into account. Does that mean 46 per cent of Albertans truly don’t care what happens to them, their neighbours or their communities, or where their money goes?
Being that the PCs have been in power for 40-plus years, with low voter turnout a continual feature of the election process, one wonders.
Stepping back and looking at the situation, even with opposition at a low, this might be the best opportunity in years to really look at all the party platforms.
Are you in favour of less reliance on oil when it comes to budgeting as the PCs have now apparently realized is faulty? Or do you like riding the roller coaster of surplus/deficit based on the price of a natural resource that is affected by so many outside interests?
Are you satisfied, as a taxpaying voter, in seeing taxes rise as a means of getting off the resource roller coaster and moving into a more stable budget process?
Do parties other than the PCs have the right idea, in your opinion? An idea you feel comfortable in supporting with your ballot?
We urge Bow Valley residents, and all Albertans, to get out and vote at every election time. But this time, it feels even more important. It’s time for a large voter turnout, a turnout where it can truly be said Albertans are supporting a governing party, not just putting up with one.
In the end, if you don’t take a few minutes to vote, you really have no right to complain about how things are being run afterward.
