I, and most of the people I know, ardently want to see the end of the Harper oligarchy in this fall’s election. There are so many sad, disturbing and democracy-corroding decrees coming from the PMO—many of which are eroding our charter rights (Bill C-51), stripping environmental protection laws, (Bills C 38 and C 45), and blatantly defying our national identity as leaders in socially and environmentally progressive policies and laws. There is so much cynicism about whether our votes can make a difference. And underneath that cynicism I believe there is tremendous longing and a great hope that we, as citizens, actually could make a difference.
There is a big difference between voting against something or someone, and voting for what we believe in and long for. Many people I know are considering voting Liberal in order to defeat the Harper regime. There is a fear that if they vote with their hearts— that they will somehow “split the vote” and let a Conservative slip in again. But if we look back at past election results, it turns out that voter patterns are unpredictable. For example in 2008 Saanich-Gulf Islands saw Conservative incumbent win with 43% of the vote, the Liberals with 39% of the vote, and the Green party with only 10% of the vote. Fear of vote splitting in 2011 should have dictated that Greens not run in this riding at all. But in 2011 the Greens won 46% of the vote, Conservatives with 35% and Liberals with 6%. There are several more ridings where this has been the case. The point is that past voting patterns do not predict future voter behaviour. The point is that there is a chance for all of us, if all of us care enough to vote with our hearts, if we vote for what we most value.
Please research what you’ve heard about “vote splitting.” You may find it to be based more in myth than fact. Look at the platforms for each of the parties. Think about what matters most to you. Start talking to friends and neighbours and colleagues. Above all, start talking to young people. Ask them what matters. Encourage them to vote for what matters to them.
I’m supporting the Green candidate in this riding because the Green party best represents my values and my hopes for Canada. If you’re Green-leaning, or looking for a party to get excited about, or would just like to find out more about why the Greens present a robust alternative to the other parties, you are very welcome to come to Collins Hall on May 23rd, 3pm to 5pm to meet Green candidate Ken Melamed and learn how you can participate in re-creating a truly democratic Canada.
