Dateline: It's a strange time for an election. Spring is late, Easter is late and the polls seem early. I've seen a few signs on the highway and received a couple of pamphlets in the mail so I know at least 2 candidates are running in my area but there isn't a lawn sign in sight in this little town. I don't know if it means no one is passionate about a particular candidate or if people don't want others to know which party they are supporting but in my physical world it doesn't even seem much like an election has been called.
My online world is different. Social media allows me to see what acquaintances are thinking and facebook is buzzing with information. Early in the campaign a message circulated saying "You wouldn't let your grandparents choose who you date, then why let them choose your government." This is the first time I have seen this much online action about an election and I'm wondering if it will mean more people will head to the polls. Younger voters are always a target for advertising and with a new medium it is possible some may look at an election differently this time.
Some of the people I know are obviously supporting certain parties while others are encouraging friends and family members to make their vote count. I've lived in neighbourhoods where I've had politicians come to my door and I've lived in communities where I had to actively dig to find out anything about my potential representatives. I like to think I've earned the right to complain by making a mark on a piece of paper when I have been eligible to do so. Around the world elections are handled differently and being able to participate in a democracy is important to me because my country and the future of my children and myself are important to me.
With the Easter holiday this week and the children out of school for 10 days I'm trying to get as much information as possible now because school holidays always seem to create an information void for me. School starts again on election day and my challenge will be remembering the poll on the same day as the children struggle to get out of bed in time to make it to classes. I'm glad the instantaneous internet is available in my quest for knowledge during what seems like a very short time in which to make a very important choice.
I plan to do some more reading, listen to what people are saying on the campaign trail and maybe even attend a forum in the next few days because it is important, it is my responsibility, it is my Canada and my future.
