It is election day here in Alberta. The possibility of a dynasty crumbling looms like an ominous black cloud over a province that the rest of Canada considers one of the ‘haves’. We’ve got oil. We’ve got prosperity. We’ve got jobs.

We’ve also got the highest per capita rate of homelessness in the country. The highest reported cases of domestic violence and the provincial suicide rate is typically higher than the national average (12.2 per 100,000 persons:10.9 per 100,000 persons)  source: http://www.suicideprevention.ca/about-suicide/.

There’s a lot to be said for toppling a dynasty such as the Tories. The black cloud is not about their fall, but rather because of the alternative that could be in play if they do topple. The crowd threatening their position are untested, untried, and unprepared (in my opinion) for the rigors and the challenges of running the province.

But this is not a political column. This blog is not for political grandstanding.

It is about making a difference.

And voting makes a difference.

So does not voting — but that difference undermines the democratic process and, as was seen in Alberta’s last election where the incumbent PCs garnered 18% of the votes cast to give them power over 100% of the people, not voting does not give citizens a voice. It does give the ruling party too strong a voice for the good of all.

Today, Albertans have the right, and the duty, to express their political wishes. Wishes that will affect the future of how our province responds to health care issues, environmental imperatives, governance and fiscal accountability.

Today, we have the right, and the duty, to make a difference.

Will we?

Voting has been on the decline in Alberta. At least, if the voter turnout from the last provincial election in 2008 is any indication — 40.6% of all eligible voters actually cast their ballot. The lowest turnout on record. The reasons for the low turnout are many, but the greatest one cited by pundits is that there was no ‘race’, no imperative to get out there and vote. The PCs were ‘doomed to win’ and people felt that ‘my vote won’t make a difference’.

Voting makes a difference. To you. To your community. To your life. Voting is our voice. It is our opportunity to speak up and share in the responsibility of what happens in our communities.

Close or tight, the race isn’t about the party in power, it’s about whether or not we exercise our right to choose the party in power.

If the PCs ‘had it all’, it’s because we the people gave it to them either by voting them in, or not voting them out.

Regardless of the outcome of this election — or any election where you have the right to cast your vote, get out and express yourself! Get out and vote!

Thank you.

PS: This is not a paid political announcement. There were no promises of future opportunities, or guarantees of fiscal compensation for this announcement! This is just me, expressing my belief that if we want to make a difference, we need to stand up and be heard. And the easiest way to do that in an election is…. VOTE!