With the federal election less than a week away, www.electionalmanac.com is showing the Conservatives with a slight lead in national polls. In fact, the polls (public opinion polls only, not official results) are predicting a government that looks pretty much the same as before, unless voters come out in record numbers indicating they feel otherwise.

But can we rely on the polls?

With many varying factors contributing to these numbers – including how many people out of a certain number actually agreed to be polled – it is perhaps a bit dangerous to use them as a reason to vote or not to vote. Instead of relying on polls to sway us in a particular direction, how about we just go out there and cast our ballot for the party we actually believe in? Let’s also set aside the notion that “one vote doesn’t count” and assume for a moment that it does count. 

As one pro-vote website – getyourvoteon.ca – points out, if you don’t think there is anything worth voting for, remember that in the end you vote for people in your community. It only takes a bit of research to find out about the Yellowhead candidates, the political parties they represent and their ideas and platforms. 

As for the younger generation that may be apathetic where voting is concerned, don’t be! Your vote counts. There are roughly three million youth in Canada, and there are enough of you to really make a significant difference in the outcome of the election if enough of you come out to vote. In this, the information age, ignorance is no excuse because there are a multitude of YouTube videos and Facebook groups that can help answer questions about the parties and their platforms. For the 18 to 30 year olds, consider that fifty years from now, most of the people running things after May 2 won’t be here, but you will. Why would you let other people shape your future without at least having a say? By voting, young people have the power to change the social landscape of Canada. How’s that for a good reason to cast your ballot on May 2?

When you head to the polls on May 2, located at the Jasper Activity Centre, make sure you go prepared. Even if you are registered to vote – that is, if you received that little card in the mail with your name and address on it –  you must prove your identity and address. You have three options: 1. Show one original piece of identification with your photo, name and address. It must be issued by a government agency; 2. Show two original pieces of authorized identification. Both pieces must have your name and one must also have your address; 3. Take an oath and have an elector who knows you vouch for you (both of you will be required to make a sworn statement). This person must have authorized identification and their name must appear on the list of electors in the same polling division as you. This person can only vouch for one person and the person who is vouched for cannot vouch for another elector. 

Visit www.elections.ca for more information on voting requirements.