What started out as an election nobody seemed to want has turned into one of the more exciting campaigns in recent years. What has caused all the buzz? It seems to be voter engagement.
Pundits across the country appear to be gobsmacked by the sudden rise of the New Democratic Party’s popularity, particularly in Quebec. The surge in polls has fascinated political commentators, while NDP leader Jack Layton takes it all in stride, with the help of his cane, and continues to deliver his message that politics is too much about mud-slinging and not enough progress on policies that will make a difference to average people. Layton has promised to work with other parties, hire more doctors and nurses, reward job creators, strengthen pensions and make life a little more affordable.
Conservative leader Stephen Harper, meanwhile, continues to tell voters a majority will bring economic stability, that they should not trust a coalition, that he will cut taxes and strengthen law and order. Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff urges voters to rise up in defence of democracy, offers programs to help families and rails against the Conservative’s plans for jets, jails and corporate tax cuts.
Social media has played a large role in this election campaign, as well as mainstream media outlets. Using social media allows parties and candidates to send their message directly to voters and for voters to have a dialogue among themselves as well as with candidates. It’s a tool that campaigns have to employ as technology continues to advance.
Voters have a clear choice when they cast their ballots on May 2. In West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, they also have a wealth of choice, with nine candidates on the ballot.
We won’t know until after the votes have been tallied what voter turnout will be for this election. Indicators point to what could be a healthy turnout, better than the last election. Voting is precious, a privilege that vast numbers of residents in other countries don’t have, one that people are dying to obtain. Canadians appear to agree.
