Your View

Not only was there a poor turn out but I am told by a few returning officers that many were elderly. I have been told that in a new area of Edmonton, out of 500 names on the list only 100 cast ballots and many of those sported canes, walkers and few were even of the average age in the area.
I am a baby boomer, so not young myself. I have worked and continue to work with a youthful segment and I am particularly concerned with the disinterest, cynicism and general feeling that they don't count anyway.

Posted March 5, 2008 09:37 AM

It's impossible to really care to vote when you have to search for parties information. "It's all online" you get told. Look it up. yes, it's our responsibility to consider the information, but since when is it acceptable for parties to just decide to slot someone in place. We didn't once get to know the names of ANY of the other candidates, other than PC. We learnt his name, from the card the PC party sent out. A card that had the WRONG address for the polling station. I actually want to meet the people who are trying to get my vote. Where were the debates held between candidates? All I saw was one leader debate. LEADER. Not candidate. Yes, it's all about the parties, and they had better toe the line, since if they actually stick up for their constituents, they get kicked. It's still nice to know WHO the people who say "they know what's best for us" are. I get to know my parents after all.

Posted March 4, 2008 09:00 PM

Why low voter turnout. Probably it is the equal percentage to those who actually believe that there is such a thing as an honest politician. The Liberals, N.D.P., Alliance and Green parties could promise any thing as they had no hope to ever accomplish those things. The Conservatives could promise everything knowing they have no opposition to hold them to that promise. And the name Honest Ed sounds like a store famous for handing out turkeys.
Did I vote Damn right I did. My Grandfather crawled through muddy fox holes fought for 4 years was wounded and suffered his whole life from being gassed to give me the right to vote. I Vote to honor his memory. My decision was very difficult Life might be a like a box of chocolates but every time I thought I picked a good one I ended up with a nut.

Posted March 4, 2008 08:45 PM

Let's be clear, 22% of Albertans voted for the Conservatives. They will run this province as though they had a majority of Albertans supporting them. This isn't a democratic system, this is a totalitarianism. At a minimum, opposition MLAs should be on committees and boards to present another viewpoint.

Posted March 4, 2008 03:39 PM

This turnout was PATHETIC and SHAMEFUL for those Albertans, like me, who believe that casting a ballot is our democratic responsibility. Enough of this "privilege to vote" garbage, it's time for people to recognize that it's our DUTY to make democracy work. How have we allowed a lazy, unsympathetic government rule for so long? It's because people can't take a brief chunk of their day once every few years to get off the couch and put an "X" on the ballot. We can all survive without reality TV for one day while reality beckons.

Posted March 4, 2008 03:36 PM

It is disappointing that such an educated and talented province had such a low turnout for the election. People are too lazy to get out and make a difference. You better not complain when government makes changes you won't like. As for David in Wood Buffalo stating 12 hour shift workers couldn't vote he was incorrect. Buses stopped off at polling stations prior to leaving for the plantsites and also buses came into town early for voters. If you left for work at 5:30pm you had more than enough time to vote as the polls opened at 9:00 am. Shame on you no excuse.

Posted March 4, 2008 01:19 PM

I was disappointed in the CBC TV's coverage of the Alberta Election results. When I tuned into CBC, the visual was no where as attractive as the ones for CTV and Global. The content was comparable, but the CBC visual was dated and distracting compared to the rivals. I am a long time listener to CBC radio, and try to watch CBC TV news, but find the TV product to inferior to both CTV and Global. I find that distressing, because our national broadcaster should be the source of the highest quality of news reporting.

Posted March 4, 2008 12:49 PM

Even though I believe voter turn out might have been low for this election, I think the calculation of the exact number is flawed. I am curious how the voter turnout is calculated. When I went to vote, there were approximately ten people waiting to be sworn in as electors. From discussions I have had with others, this appears to be common at polling stations. Two of my adult children had moved since the last election, both had thought they had registered to vote according to instructions received in their mailboxes, and both had to be sworn in to vote at the polls. So apparently the registering had no real effect on the voters' lists. When I voted, I noticed names on the voters' list for people who have moved on to other locations, and had registered in those locations. Therefore, I feel that the voter turnout percentage calculation will definitely be flawed, as eligible voters will be counted twice, once in the poll where they do vote and in the poll where they were registered. The nominator of the calculation should be correct, the number of actual voters who cast ballots, but the denominator will be overstated. I am not aware of any mechanism that is being used to correct this deficeincy in the process. For comparative purposes, in the old days when voters were enumerated before each election, the population of eligible voters would have been more accurate. Perhaps Alberta Elections could explain its process.

Posted March 4, 2008 12:41 PM

Yes I voted, actually thought the slanted
reporting in the newspapers and on the radio
against the Tories was going to gain more
votes for the Liberals then they should get.
My hunch was right still cant trust what we
hear in the media, they were wrong. Still
comes down to a viable leader and there was only one. If the Alberta's Health care system
has not been revamped by the next election
Stelmach will likely not get my vote.

Posted March 4, 2008 08:32 AM

Conservative voters have no clue what they are voting for. Listen to there comments they don't even know what the PC platform was. Come on Alberta!

Posted March 4, 2008 07:54 AM

Wendy,

The liberal candidate in Peace-River couldn't find enough signatures from people in Peace River for his nomination papers.

Posted March 4, 2008 07:50 AM

This message is for the 12 year old boy who is disappointed about the conservative win. Hang in there buddy the dirty money will run out soon enough. Alberta will realize that WE have to start looking after our children and their children and not just focus on today. Keep believing that your initiative will make a difference. Alberta needs to start worrying about your future.

Posted March 4, 2008 07:35 AM

It's time the elections changed. Were still on a system that should be long old and retired.

It forces people to decide between someone who's good for the community riding and who's at the helm for the province.

Which personally pisses me off.

besides...the lines between parties is no longer having much meaning anymore. Stelmach is a sheep in wolves clothing, a liberal like leading a conservative party.

Posted March 4, 2008 07:07 AM

People are commenting on voter apathy. I would like to comment on leadership apathy. when I went to vote today, I was disappointed in not seeing a liberal candidate in my Peace River Riding. The region produces oil, natural gas, logging and farming. It will possibly be the home of the future nuclear energy plant being proposed. The liberal party wanted to lead this province, but were not able to produce a full slate of candidates. Was our region in northwestern Alberta not worth the money or the concern. Had they won, who would have been our voice in their government. They are prepared to take our money, but not spend it here. I had no choice but to vote for the only viable alternative and that was the PC Party.

Posted March 4, 2008 12:14 AM

I was very disapointed at the voter turnout this election, i recently turned 18 and was able to cast my ballot and did so with a weight of privlidge and responsibilty on my shoulders, people are becoming apathetic and do not understand that there vote not only means something but also is a crucial part of upholding the Canadian deocratic tradition. That point needs to get across, through media, workplaces, schools, colleges, and universities.

Posted March 4, 2008 12:06 AM

40% turnout? What is wrong with you Alberta? You want change, but you won't vote for it? Granted, Elections Alberta did a pitiful job of information sharing, but GIVE A CRAP!

Posted March 3, 2008 11:41 PM

This was an election between the tweedledum people knew and tweedledee they weren't sure of. As usual brand recognition and funding won. With no strong opposition Alberta will remain the same unlike federally where there are two major parties with the resources to fight elections.

Posted March 3, 2008 11:18 PM

so many people went to work today in this constituency at 5:30 pm. They didn't get back to town from work until 9:30 (12 hour work day +4 hours of travel)

when do these people get to vote?

Posted March 3, 2008 11:11 PM

Albertans didn't elect the PC's, voter apathy did.

Posted March 3, 2008 11:00 PM

I feel the low voter turn out has largely to do with the pathetic voting information form that was mailed to me, the website is impossible to understand and it took me and two of my friends over 15 minutes each on the phone trying to find out where to vote. It should be as simple as displaying a clear address of where each person is to vote. As well as large signs surrounding each voting building.

Posted March 3, 2008 10:58 PM

I am sickend every election to see fewer people out voting. espesially this year, as i am only a few months to young but would give an arm and a leg to be able to vote, and then see people not only in my city but across the province who complain about our government but choose to do nothing about it. i see friends who have choosen not to. it hurts me because they are supposed to represent me, but they arn't by choosing not to vote, something drastic has to happen, and soon. and our system of voting (first past the post) dosn't help the situation very much!

Posted March 3, 2008 10:47 PM

Amazing. A man who was part of the government - and the cabinet no less - that single handedly dismantled our health care, infrastructure, social safety net and so much more is going to be a "great leader" and will "listen to the people". This "new leadership" comes from a government who simply and desperately threw money around at the rate of almost $1000 per SECOND with absolutely no concrete plans on how they were going to implement their spending, and a party that has clearly misunderstood simple guidelines in federal programs such as the child care initiative. The Liberal leadership and all opposition parties should hang their head in shame and go back to basic politics 101 for not jumping on clearcut examples of government malfeasance, of ineptness (i.e. the insurance debacle - a program that was put in place while Stelmach was part of government and is now going to waste what will likely amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars to stay in bed with insurance companies) and the waffling on royalties (that wasn't a decision - what happens with the remaining companies with contracts "We'll strike a committee" will likely be the answer). If you lost seats to a clearly rudderless, unfocused, arrogant party such as the Conservatives, you seriously need to rethink your career. Enjoy it Alberta - you've dug your economic, environmental, infrastructure-less, increasing tuition, continued 24 hour ER wait time, homeless riddled, no long term vision grave. Hope that royalty cheque you'll get after four years of continued class divisions, exploitation and opaque government when another election comes around makes it all worth it.

Posted March 3, 2008 10:33 PM

One of you here claimed that it's the people who are dissenfranchized who will be inspired to vote, but that's the exact opposite of the truth. This forum is where we make our stand. This is the type of public input where our voices are heard, but it doesn't affect political change. Those most dissenfranchized by this government DO NOT VOTE, or we would certainly have a different government. What are we, the great, silent majority, waiting for. Is it age? The giant wave of baby boomers having enough time on their hands to vote while their children shake their heads and dive back into their fourteenth hour of work for the twenty-seventh day straight. That's what I was doing. Voter apathy is the easy answer. Oh, people just don't care. They don't care, yes, but why don't they care? Because there is no one with a shred, and I mean a bloody speck, of charisma out there to vote for. All ideology aside, the only thing Stelmach has going for him is tradition, and that tradition is a simple and stable system that drains wealth and resources from this province uninterrupted by borders, to larger economic centers. Nothing short of a mild revolution will ever change that, and revolutions need leaders with balls (figurative) and brains (literal). None of the candidates have either of these qualities. And so all the young people sit on their hands and complain. Alberta is the tradesman who would like to own his own business, but just doesn't think he can convincingly wear a suit, and have people give him their respect, and their money, so he plods away working for wages, and ends up with arthritis and no pension. Money is important, but there are more important things as well, and some day I hope there will be a changing of the guard to people of my age group and political persuasion. And if that never happens, at least I'll have enough middle-class wealth to retire somewhere very far from here.

Posted March 3, 2008 10:06 PM

Can't believe this happening again. My faith in Albertans is diminishing election after election. PC just doesn't give a hoot about those who rent, those who needs to see medical specialist urgently, first time home buyers, or those who own a car with surging insurance. I'm wondering where are these people who are going in droves voting for the same tyrannical party who's only concern is pocketing the revenue for themselves. Considering the lackluster turn out, shame on those who complain about every problem and issue that has risen who won't even allocate time to vote to make a difference. Living in Edmonton has never been so tough, I can't foresee any changes that can bring some hope to those who once suffered under Ralph.

Posted March 3, 2008 09:55 PM

It's great to see that many new Albertans have voted PC. As a newer Albertan myself, I came here because I wanted to live and work in a province where government is less intrusive in my life. After living in a province with NDP and Liberal governments, it is refreshing to live where government supports small businesses, is fiscally responsible, and allows citizens to make own choices.

Posted March 3, 2008 09:47 PM

I don't want to hear anyone in Alberta complain about the incompetencies of the PCs and the sheeps we have as PC MLAs in this province. It is the classic case of the apathetic making the difference!
Only in this province can a government so incompetent be re-elected with such a large majority.
The opposition was even more inept in not being able to get the apathetic to come and vote.
This is a huge disappointment!

Posted March 3, 2008 09:42 PM

Once again, voter turn-out is a great disappointment in Alberta. CBC commentators are calling this a 'PC Tsunami' and I find that quite misleading...less than 40% of people are voting and less than 30% of those are voting PC. Some ridings have less than 2,000 people voting! How can you call this a Tsunami? No wonder the rest of the country paints Alberta with such a Conservative brush.

The media's role in democracy is important and by distorting these results and not representing what is happening in our province, CBC is doing a disservice to Albertans. Perhaps if the media told the real story, more people would vote in this province.

Lynn

Posted March 3, 2008 09:32 PM

With lack of affordable housing, long waiting list to see a doctor, homeless, and high cost of living, Albertan give the mandate to PC with big majority. Albertan will be happy for another four yours with PC put them in a significant pain.

Posted March 3, 2008 09:30 PM

i think this really is disappointing but i believe that the pc will make major mistakes in this province like they have in every province across canada. i hope this pc government is smart.

Posted March 3, 2008 09:24 PM

The Liberals might have made gains this time around, but Kevin Taft and Brian Mason are not remotely ready for government. Taft, in particular, was boring and bemusing in every soundbite and in every campaign appearance.

Premier Stelmach, on the other hand, has spent a solid year owning up to the problems he inherited and fixing them. Not flashy, but effective; I think people respect him in a way they don't respect a lot of politicians.

Posted March 3, 2008 09:22 PM

Let's just give the PC the keys of every home in Alberta and give them liberty to decide our lives for us. Forget about thinking for ourselves, we gave that right to the PC. What is the meaning of this, where is democracy when there is no opposition. Shame on Albertans

And for those who didn't vote, don't you dare to complain when our air is so polluted and we can't afford rent anymore, you allowed it to happed.

Posted March 3, 2008 09:21 PM

Which party is WAP ? Never heard of it.

Posted March 3, 2008 09:20 PM

I cant believe it...a major broadcaster...hires an ex premier as a commentator.ie:global....maybe before their broadcasts should have a disclaimer...'THIS IS APPROVED BY THE PC PARTY OF ALBERTA'
the media in this province should be ashamed..with no attempt to criticze this government in any manner except the the mildest...gutless is the only term i can think of...

b duncan

Posted March 3, 2008 09:20 PM

Please note and comment on the ridings where the Green Party is capturing a healthy % of the vote. They are the party of the future and more and more people are recognizing them as a real alternative to the status quo, same old tired thinking of the major parties. I think it is horrible news for this province that we have chosen to elect a government that cares so little for the future of our children and the legacy that we will leave them.

Posted March 3, 2008 09:04 PM

wow... I really thought Albertans were going to wake up to change - guess not, hopefully Ed negotiated a good enough deal with the oil-execs so future generations will have something more than a waterless wasteland...
sigh, I guess the tyranny of the majority will continue to oppress sustainable alternatives - exporting our value-added potential to our Southern neighbors, virtually whoring our great province for pennies on the dollar!

Posted March 3, 2008 08:48 PM

For the people that had difficult times locating info.....
I had a difficult time finding info about particular candidates, so I used my husbands philosophy, pick a person you least like hating.... If someones going to be elected regardless, I might as well have a say!
Also I didn't get a vote card in the mail, so I called the vote line, was on-hold so I went online to read that I needed 2 pieces of ID and where my voting station was. I also watched the news which had a ton of information on where to go to get information.

Overall it is truely a sad day when people disrespect what we have earned the right to do 'VOTE'. There are people still around the world that literally die for the chance to have this kindof freedom.

Posted March 3, 2008 08:33 PM

i have been to the polls to do my civic duty, and hgopefully help register my disgust with our single party system. for too long alberta has been little better then china, the USSR or cuba. its been a province with a minimal opposition, and a right wing government that has had a free hand to do as it pleased. My riding has been an opposition riding for a while, and i have put my vote in for it to continue. Although i cant see the right losing, i am hoping for an increased opposition vote. The fact that the PC's are concerned about voter turnout can only benefit the opposition, as its those most dissenfranchised with the current system that will make the effort to vote.

Posted March 3, 2008 08:31 PM

I always vote, and remind everyone of the privilege it is to do so, but I nearly sat out this election, basically for all of the reasons listed. I don't feel that any of the parties provide good leadership or demonstrate that they have the best interests of the people in mind. Seems their own agendas are more important.

I was also disgusted with the disorganized way that the voting was conducted. I have lived in the same home for 17 years, and when I went to vote, I waited in line at my poll, only to be told I was not registered! I seriously debated just leaving, but decided that I might as well take a few more minutes to register and vote. The registration process took another 10 minutes and then I had to stand in line at my poll again. What is the reason for this? We are encouraged to get out there and vote, but find that it is more trouble and time-consuming than it is worth.

I believe the politicians should take serious note when steadfast voters such as myself are wondering if we are simply wasting our time.

Posted March 3, 2008 08:21 PM

No, I will not vote today. I realized after listening to each candidate's dribble that I wouldn't trust ANY of these clowns with my coffee, nevermind my tax dollars or my child's future. Money breeds greed, and I doubt any of candidates truly have my families best interests in mind. And voting for the lesser of two (or three or four) evils is worse then wasting a ballot.

Posted March 3, 2008 08:14 PM

Yep. Same story in my riding. 90% of the people who came in while I was there were not on the list. It's disgusting. I saw several people turn around and walk out. This is how the Tories plan on continuing their rule, by screwing up the process so badly that they win by default.
To the person who said 'spare 5 minutes' - I waited over an hour in line. This isn't how it's supposed to be. How are we supposed to have any faith in our so-called democratic system?

Posted March 3, 2008 08:02 PM

Well, having seen a lot of whiners crying "vote,vote,vote!", telling people who don't vote and stay home that their vote is wasted. Guess what? I walked to nearest poll station, toss in my vote for NDP just to shut ya all.

Now, I know next to zero about politics...nor can care less because I have zitch interest - nothing! All I did was look up online to see who's the fairest of all for 5 mins then mark this at the polls. Five minutes is all I can stand because it's boring.

So there, I have cast in my vote. Now let's see who end up the winner when we wake up in the morning. If it's PC again - don't come here crying. If it's Liberials or NDP or SC...will they KEEP their promises and act in action? Naw...

I think not! Likely maybe never change for the better anyway. Whoever end up in charge - DEAL WITH IT!

Posted March 3, 2008 08:00 PM

I will vote on March 3 election. I believe that my vote is not wasted. I vote for NDP, because of their stance on the environment, corporate donations, and standing up for ordinary people. They might not win an election, however they will at least gain seats, and showed my support to them. By the way, recently I wrote to NDP leader Brian Mason to urge him to start debate at least for reforming our system to representative democracy. I believe it is a good system, and I believe it will be implemented in Alberta. For those of you who say it cannot, I have one thing to say about it. When Golden Gate Bridge was proposed to be built across San Francisco bay, most people believed that it will be impossible. They were wrong. Bridge was built, and stands till this day, for 70 years. It just shows that things can happen. If we want change, we have to start with ourselves. I already started, how about you?

Posted March 3, 2008 07:51 PM

Has anyone else noticed how many non-registered voters there was at their polling station? My wife was not registered, we have lived at the same house for 4 years, have voted in a Federal and Civic election in that 4 years and was registered with both. While I was waiting for her to register, show ID, get sworn in etc...I witnessed 6 other couples come in, 4 of which were not registered as well. One gentlemen only had a DL, so he was not able to vote today.

Unfortunate that we have people wanting to vote, but not able to because of a glitch. I talked to the Polling Officer on site and was informed they have had a lot of people not registered this year.

Posted March 3, 2008 07:51 PM

also why are there no polling stations in work camps?

Posted March 3, 2008 07:45 PM

Why are there no polling stations on first nation reserves?

Posted March 3, 2008 07:43 PM

I voted today...I am sick of a government that has no clear plan for the future. Alberta will not always be booming. Thinking otherwise is rediculously shortsighted.

Posted March 3, 2008 07:42 PM

Trevor, you shot holes into your own arguments. You sully yourself by saying you won't vote, but you wish to. Yet you complain that "newcomers" are ruining it for everyone.

Literally, this is a case of "stop hitting yourself (in the metaphorical groin)!"

Posted March 3, 2008 07:31 PM

Personally, I rather not vote since there is no way that any party other than PC will win..

I am one of the undecideds and I would rather waste my vote than vote for PC.

Leaders for both the Liberal, NDP and the Wildrose party can not lead a province and I would never trust them. If the other parties, finally get a good leader for Alberta then I will vote for them.

Posted March 3, 2008 07:16 PM

I voted, of course, but the polling station I went to was very poorly run, with poorly trained staff - the ones at my booth barely understood English - who were unable to find anyone's names on the voting list. An elderly couple in front of me were getting so angry at the mess they nearly walked out without voting. If it was just this one spot, I'd just take it as local incompetence, but a colleague told me of a similar fiasco at her polling station, too.

Posted March 3, 2008 06:43 PM

I was at a poll today where the scrutineer from one party--let's call them the big guys---wore party colors, hugged some voters before they voted, waved to voters as they came in, and actually talked with one voter who was voting in the booth. Yikes, I fear for democracy in Alberta and I just read in the Edmonton Journal on-line that the Wildrose and Alberta Liberal sites, as well as the elections alberta site crashed today....hmmmmm...that's the way we play in Alberta.

Posted March 3, 2008 06:36 PM

i am not voting, i used to live in castle downs. Now i live in the southshide of edmonton i find out there in no voting in the area i live in i have to go to a other area to vote. to me thats unacceptable because living in Alberta is enough of a hastle now voting is also a hassle. newcomers have ruined the ease at which the "real" Albertans used to live their lives. I am sick of the tory dictatorship the 45 percent of albertans who dont vote conservative have to live under.

Posted March 3, 2008 05:48 PM

To all those who want to spoil ballots. This proves nothing, since they are simply recorded as 'spoiled', with nothing to show the reason why.

What we really need is a ballot that has 'None of the above' as an option. More people would vote, and 'none of the above' might even win in some ridings.

Posted March 3, 2008 05:42 PM

I would have really liked to vote. But im finding it very difficult to find a location, on where i can cast my vote. Usually its at the near by school by this yr its not and no one seems to know where its located. Instead of driving around the city looking for somewhere to vote, at a $1.10 a ltr for gas. Im going home to spend time with my family.

Posted March 3, 2008 05:28 PM

Karen in Brighton, sorry to hear your special ballot never arrived — seems as though your riding's returning officer was a bit slack on the job. I had to contact two ridings to find out which one to vote in (the one I recently lived in or the one my permanent address is in), and both officers were very quick and helpful with responses... they were lovely. So, no complaints about that, although I still think that a two-/three-week window for receiving and sending special ballots is rather slim.

Of course, Canada Post had told the RO in order to make sure everything arrives on time, it should be sent and returned via priority post (ie, way too much money — apparently only the rich can afford to be 100% sure their ballots arrive on time...) Voting is important to me, but not so important that I feel I ought to pay ridiculously high posting charges to make sure my ballot is there on time. I convinced the RO to send my ballot via regular air mail instead; it only took a week to arrive. Take that, priority post!

Posted March 3, 2008 05:13 PM

I have just voted. Probably I will be in the minority of Albertans. What I saw with this election was a huge mix-up.

The only information about candidates that we received by mail was for candidates in other ridings, not in ours.

Our home received no voters' card. I saw the one at my son's home on Saturday evening, and copied down the number to call to find out where to vote. That phone call was the only thing that went well, in my humble opinion! Staff on the phone lines were courteous and found the correct information immediately.

When I got to the polling place today, it was a sea of confusion. There were people who were supposed to vote at 3 or 4 different polling places, and no one knew where to go. No one there could tell them where they should go. Some said they had found the Elections Alberta website off-line. Obviously they didn't phone. Many were angry. Some of them had already been to two or more different polling places, and had been told that they were in the wrong spot.

If I had been in that situation, especially if I had come with young children, or in a wheelchair, as some I saw there, I would have gone home and not bothered to vote at all.

My daughter wan not on the voters' list. She is 23, still lives at home, and has been a resident of Alberta for the past 5 years, the same as her parents (us), except for a three-month stint as a student in Ontario 2 years ago. She was on the last voters' list, and has voted in the past 5 years in another provincial election, as well as municipal and federal elections. She is so disgusted with what she has seen - and not seen - in this election that she decided not to vote in any case.

No matter what the results today, I believe Albertans deserve better than this. We are the richest province in the country, and we have had election mishandling here that would be considered shameful in Third World countries.

I hope that more disgusted voters take the time to comment.

Posted March 3, 2008 05:06 PM

I've never missed voting in an election at any level since I turned 18 three decades ago. I just shake my head when I here people say they can't be bothered -- what bother? five minutes of your time? I find equally laughable the attitude that the present system doesn't properly represent the will of the people -- 'I'm not going to take part in the system until it is reformed'. Well, who exactly is going to do the reforming? If you want the system to be reformed, the first step is to go out and vote for a candidate or a party that promises reform, or, if none of those are available, vote against a candidate or party that promises to keep things the way they are.

I'm appalled by the laziness of those who can't be bothered and depressed by the laziness of thinking of those who say they want change but won't reach out to help make that change happen.

Posted March 3, 2008 05:06 PM

I choose not to vote in this election as I find that the current election format in this country for both Federal and Provencal Elections dose not truly represent the choise of the people. A vote that would truly represent the people would be all the votes for the area of the vote (Provencal or National) should be pooled and counted out by party, then seat in parliment will be assigned by the precentage of votes that were cast for each party. Thsi system will truly give us a much better look on who the people want for their leaders.

Posted March 3, 2008 04:29 PM

You MUST vote. It is our fundemental right to do so and me must exercise that right. How many people die around the world to try and have this right? To not do so, is an insult not only to them, but to all of us as well

Posted March 3, 2008 04:29 PM

The best thing about this election was I went on vacation for 1 week and missed the un-eventful election campaign. I can not believe that none of the opposition parties could not come up with anything they could strongly debate ED on. Ed has coasted through this election on all the major issues due to the lack of debate the parties are forced to perform. They should have to perform at least 3 live debates during any provincial election. The reason why there is so little attention and voter apathy is the lack of public debate. When I contacted 3 of my local representatives (PC, Liberal and Wild Rose) all of them said they would be happy to stop by my house and discuss their views but all three said there would be no debate held in my town of 4000 people, how sad is that! By the way I live just out side of Calgary and we are the 3rd largest town in their constituency, in there views it does not justify any of them to hold a public debate. I guess its best for one and all if you don’t have to debate in a public form your own person views they feel the constituency has, you can coast to a victory on the views or policy of the main political party.

By the way I have voted in every election for held since I turned 18 in (1984) and feel everyone should have to vote by law or be fined. Without democracy you end up with limited freedoms!

Posted March 3, 2008 04:00 PM

I would like to see the largest percentage of vote turnout in the history of Alberta.

Even if the final results did not necessarily please me,at least I would know the true feelings and beliefs of the majority of Albertans.
Democracy rules and I am glad we have the right to a freedom of choice.

Posted March 3, 2008 03:50 PM

Many people in the world are denied the right to vote and would treasure the privileges we have. Change and improvement will never happen if we ignore the power of of the ballot

Posted March 3, 2008 03:45 PM

If you need infomation on where to vote Phone the toll free line 310-0000 or if in Edmonton 1 (780) 427-7191. Get OUT and VOTE!!! Take the Majority away from the PC will keep them Honest!!!!

Posted March 3, 2008 03:24 PM

My neighbourhood is very politically active, during elections at every level. There are always lawn signs up & down the streets, and plenty of open discussion when neighbours meet. I work at home, and was anticipating good conversations with at least a couple of door-knockers. However, only ONE of the four candidates has made any effort to visit or reach out to us, and that was only through a mail drop. That fellow will get my vote, for making the most effort (such as it was!)

Posted March 3, 2008 03:23 PM

Can we vote for Obama or Hillary? At least there would be some charisma running our great province

Posted March 3, 2008 03:19 PM

I echo some of the sentiment here that none of the candidates/parties are worthy of our votes, but at the very least get out there and spoil a ballot.

Not voting is inexcusable and quite frankly it just sends the message that you're lazy and indifferent. A spoiled ballot says there is something wrong with the candidates, parties, and the voting system in general.

Posted March 3, 2008 03:07 PM

I will be voting. In many countries in the world people risk their lives to go to the polling station. How can I stay home?

Posted March 3, 2008 03:02 PM

As someone who has previously worked at a polling station on an election day I know how much work goes into providing this service to the voters. Please go and vote it is so important. Make the effort and take the time to exercise your democratic right.

Posted March 3, 2008 02:25 PM

Count me as one who never got a special ballot - despite the fact that I emailed my request the day the writ dropped and got a response two days later! I'm frankly feeling incredibly alientated and deeply disappointed by the system.

Posted March 3, 2008 02:04 PM

If you have time to post on here you have time to vote.

The polling clerks were shocked that I voted as I am 24 I was easily the youngest person in there. Sad. Sad. Sad.

We should change the voting system to proportional representation and voting should be required by law.

Vote.

Posted March 3, 2008 01:35 PM

I will vote. As a municipal politician, I have an unhealthy interest in the province's future. Disappointed at lack of forums - very little excitement in the riding. There are so many issues in this election!!!

Posted March 3, 2008 01:09 PM

How can we expect decent voter turnout? For my vote, that will be cast today, I know of 10 other people who want to vote but cannot because they were not aware of the special ballot option until it was too late to follow the slow procedures for this. In a province where such a significant number of our work force are working away from their primary residence that there would be some effort to allow their voices to be heard.

Posted March 3, 2008 12:07 PM

What's annoying is that the server for voter information at Elections Alberta hasn't been working all morning. So anyone who doesn't know where to vote may just give up.

Posted March 3, 2008 10:59 AM

I won't be voting, I am uninspired by both Stelmach and Taft. It's just the same old song and dance yet nothing changes to improve the rising cost of rent, sheltering the homeless, the rate of violent crimes in our major cities and our pathetic Healthcare system. I respected Ralph and all he accomplished. These two don't come close. They have zero charisma.

Posted March 3, 2008 10:55 AM

Renate, this is not an isolated incident. While I haven't checked the Alberta Elections website, they have closed certain polls in my riding, forcing people to travel further ad further to vote. These are blatant attempts by the government to keep people from voting, as that will most likely translate into a PC win. Together with the scandals regarding returning officers (Edmonton-Castledowns PC incumbent Tomas Lukazuk's executive assistant is the returning officer there, among others), and the lack of polls in certain areas of Alberta, especially in the Southwest, it is obvious the PC's are manipulating this election. I wonder why so many Albertans are politically apathetic; the Alberta conservatives have their own unique Alberta Advantage here, and they could get away with murder.

Posted March 3, 2008 10:44 AM

Intersting that for those of us who are trying to find out where our local polling station is today, on Elections Day...the Elections Alberta Website shows "Service Unavailable"- doesn't encourage voters does it???

Posted March 3, 2008 10:05 AM

I will definitely be voting but I feel this has been one of the poorest run campaigns that I have ever seen. There are 5 people running in my area and I have heard from 1 via a mail drop. If this person has the initiative to do a mail drop then he may get my vote. I guess the others just are running for the fun of it and don't care about how they finish. I have also only seen 2 candidates posters up. Calgary-East

Posted March 3, 2008 09:42 AM

It's voting day and I'm frustrated. I'm not sure where my polling station is so I went to the elections alberta website to find out and that section of the site is not functioning. What I thought would take a few seconds hasn't and I just wonder how many people are experiencing the same problem and will be deterred from voting because of it!

Posted March 3, 2008 09:23 AM

I sent in my special ballot a few weeks ago, so I can only hope it's arrived by now and can be counted.

However, I'm not particularly impressed with the special ballot process. I'm fortunate enough that mail from Canada to the UK and back has a fairly quick turnaround, but Albertans in other countries may not be so lucky. I was told that special ballots can't be sent out until two weeks after the "writ" has been issued, so that cuts down even further on the time people have to receive and send back their special ballots.

Makes me wonder how many special ballots are still in transit and thus won't be counted along with the regular ballots...

Posted March 3, 2008 09:11 AM

I will most definitely be voting in this election. Not only is it our chance to maybe, possibly have a different government for the first time in many our lifetimes, it's our duty. I also fall in the camp with the saying, "You can't complain if you didn't vote."

I am very busy today working until 5 in Sherwood Park and then to my 2nd job at 7, but I will make time to vote. Let's not have another election decided by those who stayed home and a leader winning by default.

Posted March 3, 2008 08:48 AM

I really hope the people that vote, vote with their best selection in mind and not because they think if they vote for any party other than the PC party, its a wasted vote. I really dont like how some people think that if you dont vote with the majority you are wasting your vote. No votes are wasted. I think if we were to all vote for the party we believed in, I think we would see very different results.

I will be voting today and I hope that many others do as well.

Posted March 3, 2008 08:43 AM

I'm new to the area although I have lived in Alberta my entire life. I feel like there hasn't been enough coverage or information for the public. This morning (voting day) I have been trying to get onto the Alberta elections website to find out where I am supposed to go to vote- and the website has been down all morning. With lack of information on candidates from most parties as well as information from Alberta elections, this entire election has been a frustrating experience. I will still vote- but am a frustrated and slightly apathetic voter.

Posted March 3, 2008 08:21 AM

It's 7:00 am on election day. I will definately be voting. I see it as a duty. The problem is, I still haven't made up my mind who deserves to get my vote.

In a nutshell:
PCs are in bed with the oil companies and have really failed to put forth any real platform.

I lived through what the NDP did to Ontario when Bob Rae took power and saw what they did to B.C.

I shudder at voting liberal - largely because of all the problems that party has caused federally.

The Wildrose Alliance is just scary.

That leaves the Green Party. But their candidate didn't even bother to show up to the debates in my community (Leduc) and his campaign office is in Calgary!

Why do the parties make this so hard?

Posted March 3, 2008 07:16 AM

It's not hard to figure out why the voter turnout is so low. It's the same reason that I have to talk myself into going through the bother every election. Most of the population lives in the cities, but most of the ridings are rural. The country folk are way over-represented in legislature, always decide the results, and would vote PC unless Ed Stelmach shot their dog and set fire to their house. The election is always a foregone conclusion.

I have no idea why these rural folks vote PC by reflex all the time considering that the government has sold them down the river, let agriculture in this province go hang, and given every break to corporate pals.

Until legislature seats are distributed according to population things will never change.

Posted March 2, 2008 06:12 PM

The only party that I can see supporting the people, families and communities of Alberta is the NDP.
Although Brian Mason has not been in power yet, he is the only one on OUR SIDE!!

If there was ever a time to forget your apathy towards politics, it is now. Get out and VOTE!!

Posted March 2, 2008 06:08 PM

I will be voting . . . however . . . it seems politicians generally have lost sight of public sentiment, and lack both sincerity and accountability.

Posted March 2, 2008 05:23 PM

Hello,
I am writing as a concerned citizen and am not affiliated with any political party. I discovered this information as I was in the process of trying to find out where the heck to go to vote.

No information has been distributed in my riding, Calgary Nose Hill, by the incumbent Alberta Government as to where to vote.
No enumeration was done in my riding. Calgary has grown so much in the last four years, there could be thousands of people who have no idea that they have the right to vote. So the voters list is four years old. The parties only received the four year old voters list February, 25th!
Most of the electoral officers have been hired by the Tories, and there are questions regarding them and the advance polls and possible rigging.

I really hope you can get information out to the people of Calgary and Alberta on who is eligible to vote and where to vote, otherwise the whole system is compromised. Sorry, I will not reveal the source of my information, but you have smart reporters. I am sure with a little nosing around they will unveil the truth about this election. Whoever wins this election it will be bogus unless the Tories follow the rules.

Posted March 2, 2008 05:11 PM

The greatest weakness of all the opposition parties is that none of the candidates have ever been in government in Alberta and have limited access to information that would help them make informed plans for governing. Too many of them seem to have little understanding of the complexities of governing and also having a vision of how Alberta fits into the greater scheme of things - Canada and the world.

Posted March 2, 2008 10:11 AM

Rob is absolutely right. Canadians deserve proportional representation both federally and provincially. I apologize to all the people through the years that I told them their vote counted, they were right, it probably didn't. Most people who vote will have no representation in the government.

A form of Proportional Representation (MMP) is being actively promoted in Ontario and BC. Although it was narrowly defeated in the referendums held there, it is far from a dead issue. People from all political parties recognize the wisdom of this system and how necessary it is to strengthen our democratic tradition. Can you really have a majority government when the majority of the citizens did not vote for your party?

In spite of our archaic, flawed system people should still vote because that is all we have, for now. Information is available at www.fairvotecanada.ca. GO VOTE!

Posted March 2, 2008 08:07 AM

We need proportional representation in this province and federally.

Posted March 1, 2008 11:46 PM

I have always been politically active in Alberta. I am now living in Newfoundland thanks to the Tory policy on rent control and not caring about the little man. I ask all Albertans to give the Big business PC party the boot and vote for Social Credit where you can and if not the Wildrose Alliance. We know the damage that the Liberals or NDP would do and we don't really want the Green party....If I was back home I would be voting 100% for the Social credit party who is for the middle man and the Alliance is the next best for sure.

Posted March 1, 2008 08:33 PM

I have voted in every election federally and provincially since I was 21. Now a widowed senior and really struggling to pay rent, utilities and eat, I find life very, very difficult. Having voted Conservative all my life I will be voting NDP for the first time, as they are the only party listening to Albertans. I sincerely hope the NDP take more seats this election. Conservatives have screwed up big time and don't even care about you and I. Please get out and vote.

Posted March 1, 2008 08:06 PM

Have always voted since I was 18. So sad the way the newspapers and television give such a one sided view that is so bias. I believe that by doing it they are working for the conservatives and hijacking the election. Perhaps they may be getting one of those high paying $9.00 an hour jobs after a high turnout.

Posted March 1, 2008 04:32 PM

I will vote though it really won't matter.

Last provincial election the PC's received 47% of the vote, 75% of the seats and 100% of the power. Factor in a low voter turnout of 47% and really about 25% of eligible voters determined the last election.

Alberta could really benefit from some form of proportional representation, but the PC's aren't about to scrap the first-past-the-post system that favors their party disproportionately.

Even though I don't care for the Liberals, I will vote for them as they do propose voting reform, and a vote for any other party (in my riding) is just a vote for the PC's.

Posted March 1, 2008 11:13 AM

I will vote. If you think that your vote does not count then you are wrong, this is what the Alberta government wants, a default win. They have been bombarding the radios and TVs, to turn off the voters from voting. This is their politcal game.(Same tactic that the Bush used,Hmmmm)

Let's get Alberta back!!! VOTE!!!!

If you want more crime, higher rent, higher cost of living, more hate and less green space than Vote PC or Wildrose. If want a balanced growth vote Liberal. If you want a better environment and fair place to live then vote Green. If you want affordable housing and better standards of living than vote NDP.

But most of all JUST VOTE!!!Vote Alberta!!!

Posted March 1, 2008 10:59 AM

I will absolutely be voting on Monday...it is my duty. Like many Calgarians I am sitting in the "undecided" seats. I'm fully expecting some elections official to approach me while I stand behind the privacy screen and nicely ask me to please make my decision and move on as there is a line forming waiting to vote. I have been a lifetime Conservative but I expect to "hold my nose" and vote in protest. I am appalled at Ed Stelmach's leadership.

Posted March 1, 2008 10:02 AM

I will vote to "Free Alberta". I hope this election the true small "c" conservatives who are concerned about the environment and social justice issues will realize that the party that is suppose to represent their values was hijacked by the Neocons way before Ed's leadership. The "Progressive" has been missing for a long time. So Alberta, ask hard questions, contact the parties and find out their positions. It is your life and your future. GO VOTE! and then keep involved.

Posted March 1, 2008 08:46 AM

Yes, I want to vote - for real change - not just hand the keys to a pretty face. Question? Before I vote I'll be asking - would I hire any of these applicants to run the business and plan our province's future? As Albertans we've got to stop acting like the slaves we've been if we ever hope to become the rightful owners of our abundant resources and our kids' future. So, who to hire to manage this unfolding mess we're facing? And, how to do it? Should the in-bunch be able to willy-nilly call elections when it suits them most - rather than when WE demand an accounting? So far no one has dealt with the need for real change in the selection and accountability of the parties and their leadership group. Obviously, it's not going to come from a party comfortably in power which would lose out thru change. Without the owners taking a firm stand on these matters, all this is just replacing one salesman with another - not the way to run a respectable province - or even a used car sales lot. For now, I'd vote for a minority government - just not sure how to place the bets on Monday.

Posted March 1, 2008 06:25 AM

I work in Fort McMurray and live in Edmonton. There is no mechanism for me to vote in my riding. As usual, no planning or forethought has gone into this election. Seems that everything here in Alberta just happens, with little or no forethought. Oh well, it will be time soon to sell and get out of this frozen wasteland.

Posted March 1, 2008 12:32 AM

It is understandable why many people are apathetic when it comes to casting a ballot. I too am undecided at the moment but have dedicated my weekend to becoming informed about the parties and their leaders. It can be overwhelming but ignorance of candidates and lack of time are weak excuses not to vote. Get off the couch Alberta. Vote!

Posted February 29, 2008 09:12 PM

Yes I will vote. I would like to see accountability improve regardless of which party wins. I believe the conservative machine has lost its way and sees governing as a right not a privilege. More tax power should be transferred to the cities/towns (as well as from the feds to the provinces). I agree with the royalty increases but would like to see a better plan on how Alberta will reinvest for the future, protect the water supplies and improve their carbon emission policies to levels that will be demanded by our biggest customer - US.

Posted February 29, 2008 08:52 PM

The problem with the politicians are that nearly almost all of them cannot keep their promises after what they had said to the public from beginning to the dawn of election coming. The number one pet peeve of mine is that I don't like lies, I truly loathe lies for as long I remember. I used to vote when I was younger but after a few elections and had seen elected changed their tone, didn't keep all of their promises.

That's the problem - hmm? Klein may had looked rosy when he wiped debt out but look at all the mess to be picked up. Same for many other elected in many other countries. I see that everyday in news. It's exemerely rare one single honest policatian would come up. So far haven't yet spotted one now. If there is one - I would vote. The voting protcol should be changed that all policatans must keep their promises and do the action on them. At least they can show they tried!

Posted February 29, 2008 08:26 PM

I will be voting undoubtedly. I feel that we need a strong opposition in Alberta. I am appalled and disgusted by the antics of the so called, Progressive Conservatives. Cheating Albertans of billions of dollars of oil revenues, the EUB spying scandal, utter lack of concernfor the environment - which is the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the list goes on and on.

I know that Alberta is still a narrow-minded(which is what conservative actually means)backwater and will elect a conservative government but I will do my part in changing the balance. I intend to vote Liberal.

Posted February 29, 2008 04:46 PM

I have always voted even though I live in Battle River Wainright where not many vote against the conservative incumbant. I think that the turnout this election will finally go higher then the pathetic 49 percent that usually show to the polls!

The electorate is awake Ed and I think the PC time is finally up. I look forward to finally watching the election returns on Monday.

Prediction
Lib 43
PC 32
NDP 5

Posted February 29, 2008 01:27 PM

Something my friend said a few years ago convinced me to vote in every election no matter what. He said "If you don't vote, you can't complain, because by not voting you are approving everything the government does, no matter what that is." Voting is the only way you can guarantee the government will hear your satisfaction or your dissatisfaction with their performance. If your dissatisfied with everyone in your riding, spoil your vote instead of not voting since a spoiled vote is still counted for statistical purposes. In fact, the law should be changed so that a riding where more than 50% of the total votes is spoiled will have to hold a byelection with a whole new slate of candidates, and all previous candidates will be banned from participating.

Posted February 29, 2008 10:47 AM

I plan on spoiling my ballot. None of these people are worth voting for.

Posted February 29, 2008 08:09 AM

I am from Alberta and I am sad to say that I did not vote in the last election simply because it was too much of a bother. I am from a very conservative area of Calgary and very sadly, no one but PC has a chance.

If the province would change to a proportional system of voting, twice as many people would vote and the current government wouldn't have the same stranglehold on the province.

In this election I have decided to vote by special ballot for the Liberals. While Green is my party of choice, the Liberals are the only ones with a chance to replace the PC.

Posted February 28, 2008 06:13 PM

The fact of the matter is...anyone who voted for the current party is resposible for what they have done...so blame yourselfs ...and its exactly the opposite i'm afraid...those who don't vote have all the right to complain we didn't vote for any of the fools....those who vote can just blame themselves.....

Posted February 28, 2008 05:10 PM

Absolutely, I will vote. With this thing they are calling Alberta advantage, 37 years of corruption from the PC's rule(Political Crooks)building Casino throughout Alberta and Canada. These buildings are nothing but incubators for crime, bringing along with them, prostitution, drugs, gangs and poverty from the broken families. Hiring more police officers will not solve the problem , go to the source. Unmanaged growth from the PC's relying on the scraps that the Oil companies throw out to our province while they are making record earnings each quarter. With the healthcare and hospitals at their worst from 37 years of PC's rule, it's time for a change. Vote anything but PC,Wildrose and Liberal they are all paid by the same masters! Don't be fooled by the political games, they want to divide your vote. Free Alberta!!!Go!Green.

Posted February 28, 2008 04:40 PM

I WILL NOT be voting in the March 3, 2008, Alberta Provincial Election, because there will be NO polling station in my community. I'm assuming the Returning Officer for the area decided Indians are not relevant and therefore should be disenfranchised. Not only my community, but the Blood Indian Reserve as well. Combined, over 13,000 people will be disenfranchised come march 3, 2008.

Posted February 28, 2008 03:53 PM

I will be voting in this election and encourage everyone to vote as well.

It is a privilege and responsibility which Canadians enjoy and should not be taken for granted.

It takes a proactive role on the part of Alberta's voters to effect change...take the time to vote!

Posted February 28, 2008 01:28 PM

I have to admit I really never paid much attention to politics up until approx. 3 yrs ago, when I noticed the cost of housing going up beyond realistic values. Since then I have paid much closer attention and spoken to a lot of people to get their views in order to get a feel for the different party ideologies.
The #1 issue in todays economy is affordable housing. The PC governments indifference to this issue as well as the environment is going to cost Albertans dearly for generations to come. High wage demands, higher taxes to help those left behind, lack of disposable income dwindling, increasing personal debt, ever growing intolerance to the less fortunate, etc.
Several people, when asked what people are too do when they can no longer afford a suitable place to live, replied with a statement 'get a better paying job'. My reply is alway's 'who will do the job they left'. When asked what party these intolerant people are going to vote for it is almost invariably PC. Now I don't for one second believe that everyone who votes for the PC's is intolerant
however some of the current government's policy's or lack of responsible policy would indicate that the PC government is intolerant! So, the $64,000 question is, do Albertans vote PC out of blind obedience or have we become an elitist and morally bankrupt society??? I for one think that we deserve the same respect and the ability to life with dignity no matter what background or income level we belong in. But thats just me.

Posted February 28, 2008 01:27 PM

People died so that we could vote. We must vote. Heck, we should have been voting a year ago when Ed Stelmach was first sworn in. We have had 14 months of an unelected premier. It's time we had our voice.

If we all voted, we might actually have some change in this province.

Posted February 28, 2008 11:29 AM

CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF ALBERTA

I belonged to this party for many years and still believe in the original Conservative party principles.

Unfortunately, the original party principles are no long being followed as they were during the former Premier Peter Lougheed years.

Demanding changes in existing legal royalty agreements with energy companies does not fare well for me or with the original Conservative party principles.
If Alberta was short of monies and/or facing a crisis, I would understand the reason for asking for the royalty changes.

A safer vote in my own mind,is for the new Wildrose Alliance Party.

Posted February 28, 2008 11:00 AM

There is no excuse not to vote, even if it means giving up some of your material desires, it is a right and a responsibility.

Those who say, "I'm not interested" or "I'm not informed enough" should record them saying that and then listen to themselves. No matter how you slice it or how much you want to deny it, you sound like an idiot.

Get informed, and get to the box. It's not that hard. So what if you miss ten minutes of your break or whatever?

Posted February 28, 2008 10:13 AM

Of course I will vote. It is a right AND a responsibility. So many North Americans take voting for granted. How many have given their lives to preserve our right to vote? How many people who can't be bothered to vote would be the first to complain if they lost the right to vote?

So far only one volunteer for one candidate has come knocking on my door. But as a responsible citizen, I have followed the news and visited each party's website so that I can make an informed decision.

Citizenship--whether you are a born citizen or passed the test and took an oath--means you have responsibilities, including voting. If you can't be bothered to vote, leave this country and go somewhere where you can't vote. Millions of people around the world would gladly take your place here.

Posted February 28, 2008 09:15 AM

Of ourse I will vote. If you don't vote, you have no right to complain about the government.

Posted February 28, 2008 08:53 AM

I will be voting in this election because it is, in my opinion, a citizen's responsibility to vote. Like paying taxes, it is one of those things that we must do in order to maintain our way of life.
I just moved to Edmonton from Calgary but will still find the polling station and cast my ballot. I will fight the bureaucrats because I am not on the voters list and do not have photo id because I changed my drivers licence over like a good law abiding citizen should. I WILL get to vote!
I lived in Ontario during the 40+ years of the Tory dynasty there and saw how corrupt and unresponsive the government became. How they "bought off" the electorate just before every election and the similarities here are very striking and I hope that the citizens here also get rid of of an old tired one party state and shake things up here.

I hope it will be interesting

Posted February 28, 2008 08:49 AM

I have never missed an election in the last 55 years, and I won't this time. Out here in Lacombe-Ponoka, I will be voting GREEN for the first time in my life. Not for the party, but for the man, Joe Anglin. It was Joe who led the landowners fight against Bill 46, removing the rights of landowners to make direct representation to the land use board.

Joe will be a strong, informed, hard-working voice for honesty and transparency in the government, something we can't remotely expect for our current MLA, a Conservative (expletive deleted). I look forward to a drastically reduced Conservative majority, and some stiff opposition and critique of their oligarchic ways.

James Strachan

Posted February 28, 2008 07:59 AM

I don't plan on voting in this election for 2 reasons. 1. I don't really follow politics or political platforms or any of that other garbage so I don't feel that I am informed enough to make a proper decision on who I would like elected. 2. Most of the politicians promise everything and deliver nothing so, no matter what they stand for or what their platform is, chances are that they'll just disapoint. Until we have a system that can hold the politician directly legally and financially responsible for the promises that they make but don't deliver, I don't plan on voting. Any wonder that a lot of the politicians out there were lawyers at one point?

Posted February 28, 2008 07:49 AM

I will vote...change is crucial. Please ask Ed Stelmach why no climate change scientists at all were consulted during the governments formulation of their "new" climate change ...emmissions plan...increasing immissions to 2020. Most on list were economists...industry experts and two on sequestration...like going to an accountant when one needs a neurosurgeon.

Posted February 28, 2008 07:33 AM

I will be voting and it won't be for the current government as it is obvious Stelmach doesn't give a damn about the average Albertan. Sadly though the Alberta Sheeple are notorious for blindly voting for one party. We have an affordable housing crisis in Canada and Stelmach acts as though there is nothing wrong and refuses to address the problem. I will be extremely disappointed in the people of Alberta if this election is a repeat of the last one.

Posted February 27, 2008 09:12 PM

i don't call voting for someone who votes for the leader i don't want, freedom....revamp the voting process and maybe you'll get my vote

Posted February 27, 2008 08:48 PM

well...since i was 18 i have noticed that huge amount of self centered politicians....that supposedly will do all this and all that until they get into the system and realize its a lot bigger than just them....and really in the end can only change a handful of policies....so i have to laugh at these people that run ....going to take on the world and in the end taking less baby steps then the rest of the public ever would.....lies lies and more lies...when politicians stop lying...is when i'll start voting i'm 34 by the way, and thats my challenge....but i'm afraid it will only be worth 1 vote....

Posted February 27, 2008 08:45 PM

Absolutely. I am a 34-year old mom, and am disheartened to say that I don't know a lot of people in my age group that are interested in politics. At the candidate forums I have ever attended, there are very few people in my age group. I wish I knew why that was, but hope I can set an example to the other young(er) people.

Posted February 27, 2008 08:17 PM

When the Edmonton Journal runs a headline story on February 29th that the Tories are going to be re-elected with a majority on March 3rd, it certainly dampens one's initiative/enthusiasm to go and vote. Such headlines/stories may also influence how people will vote or not vote at all (what's the use?), biasing the whole electoral process.

Posted February 27, 2008 06:55 PM

YES! Voting in free, fair, and democratic elections is not only an obligation, it is also a privilege, but one that too many Canadians sadly take for granted.

Posted February 27, 2008 04:25 PM

I most definately will be voting March 3 in Edmonton Center. It is very important to me as a retired single person on fixed income. I have also been undecided who to vote for but I do know who I will vote for. I have lived in Edmonton off & on since 1972 when I came from BC and Sask.

Posted February 27, 2008 02:32 PM

EVERY ELIGIBLE VOTER MUST CAST THEIR BALLOT

I would like to see the largest percentage of vote turnout in the history of Alberta.

Even if the final results did not necessarily please me,at least I would know the true feelings and beliefs of the majority of Albertans.
Democracy rules and I am glad we have the right to a freedom of choice.

Posted February 27, 2008 01:10 PM

I definately will be voting. If you don't vote you really should not have any complaints of how the government rules. We need to have a say so get out and vote.

Posted February 27, 2008 11:22 AM

Yes, I will vote in this election as I have in every other election since I was eighteen. I see no reason why able bodied people cannot take 15 minutes out of their day to express their opinion on a ballot. Men and women died to preserve our Canadian democracy and though it may not be perfect, it's the only system that we've got.

Posted February 27, 2008 10:39 AM

I will definitely vote because i want to make a difference and voice how unhappy i have been with this government and as a single mom with a middle income is suffering while all i hear in the news is how the billionaires companies are crying over 1 or 2 billion they are going to loose over the royalty, MEANWHILE I can't afford to get my daughter braces because i don't have $5,000...
How much money does someone has to make for the government to lend a hand? basically you have to be on the street with no place to live or food to eat, how about a single parent that has worked all her life and haven't gotten nothing from the government except false promises!!!
OOH YEAH, I WILL DEFINITELY VOTE THIS TIME!!!!

Posted February 26, 2008 07:44 PM

Absolutely! Indifference or apathy is no excuse for spurning the freedoms we have in our country to vote, unlike so much of the world. If we ever lost the freedom to vote, the ones at fault will be the ones who had a thousand excuses why they just couldn't bring themselves to take the little time out of their day to vote. A shameful excuse in this day and age!

Posted February 26, 2008 04:15 PM