The Fitzhugh would like to encourage all eligible Jasperites to exercise their democratic right Monday by casting a ballot in the federal election. All polls in Jasper are held in the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Activity Centre and they will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Living in a riding which has been dominated by one party, or at least, parties from a certain segment of the political spectrum, since its inception, it may be difficult to see how an individual vote makes any difference to a result. Indeed, a plurality of voters in Jasper has not supported the Conservative/Reform/Alliance candidate in the past and if the 50 or so who were in attendance at Monday night’s forum are any indication, we are unlikely to do so this time around.

Given that some or most of us that do take the time to vote do not support the successful candidate, is our choice not represented in some fashion? No.

Canadians everywhere can take advantage of a recent change in the funding scheme for political parties, what Green Party candidate Monika Schaefer adroitly describes as financial proportional representation. The concept is simple — vote for a party and they will receive $1.75 in return. It’s a logical system with appropriate checks and balances. Parties that run in a limited number of ridings must achieve 5 per cent of the popular vote, while those that are more broadly based must capture two per cent at a minimum in order to qualify for the funding.

Should, as many expect, a Conservative government be elected, they propose substantial changes to how corporations, groups and individuals can provide financial support for political parties. This will mean that the $1.75 you choose to contribute on election day will make more of an impact once the other sources for funding are limited or eliminated.

Canada does need more substantial electoral reform, but that’s an issue for another day. For now, those of us who can need to make our choice, whether that be in protest of the status quo, or in support of a candidate or platform.