I’ll never tell you who I vote for and I’ll never ask you that question. But this excruciatingly long federal election campaign will come to an end before we know it and it will be time to make a choice.
I could never join a political party. I align ideologically with each major party on some issues. Just one of them isn’t my perfect match. And I suspect that party members are occasionally disappointed by a promise or policy that comes down from the top.
Even though it makes it more difficult to decide when you’re not faithful to one stripe, my view is that it’s only prudent. Times change, concerns change. Each party has succeeded and screwed up. My MP is doing a great job. He’s the kind of guy you want in Parliament. But his boss isn’t my kind of guy. So do I vote to toss an excellent rep from his office so his boss doesn’t get the PMO or do I vote for the local guy and take my chances?
I’m always interested in people’s voting strategies. Some people think they have it all figured out. I nearly fell off my chair when a politically aware man I know said he waits for the last poll results and then goes with whoever is leading! I do things differently every time. Issues change. Our priorities change. If you have a voting strategy, I’d love to know it. As a journalist, I get sick of election campaigns but as a Canadian, they fascinate me.
This year unlike in years of the past I’m truly torn between who I’m going to vote for. I’ve never aligned myself with any one party, believing that based on societies needs at the time, who do I feel can do the best job but on occasions I’ve voted strategically to hopefully obtain a balance and alternative voice.
If our election was like a buffet I would pick and choose various policies from each parties platform in order to assemble a platform which I think works best. If I were to solely vote on who I think the best leader is, I’m voting for my dog! At least he’s trained to listen.
So, on October 19, I’ll hold my nose like many Canadians and vote for who I think will screw things up the least. I now just have to figure out who that might be?