Everyday Election
It's election day tomorrow in Edmonton and other municipalities across the province. While elections for Canadian cities don't get the same level of attention that federal or provincial voting receives, municipal elections are just as important. Why? Because these elections have the most impact on your daily life. So I do my best to read the platforms, listen to the candidates, and make the best decision possible.
I've already voted in the advance polls. Three issues that I believe are equally important guided my vote for this election :
Partnerships with federal and provincial governments will be essential for Edmonton; therefore, we need someone to facilitate that.
Truth and Reconciliation is a core issue for not only Edmonton but Canada. I want my elected representatives to embrace this challenge.
A priority for me is safety and security. Not just for my family and me, but for anyone who walks the streets of the city. I think it's unfair that the police are often tasked with fixing all things related to street safety. With that in mind, I support leadership that will continue to see this as a complex issue and continue collaborative efforts already underway.
Having said all of that, I understand that my vote only represents one aspect of my daily "political" life. I'm trying to vote every day. Each one of us is political, whether we know it or not. We all make choices about how we conduct ourselves, and our conduct ultimately speaks to what we truly believe. Despite what we may verbalize or what we have convinced ourselves that we believe, actions are the best indicators of our politics. So I vote with my wallet, vote with my time, and vote by having hospitable conversations with others.
I'm not perfect, and I'll be the first to hold up my hand if someone were to ask, "Has anyone here ever acted outside of their values?". It's hard work, but I try to become more consistent. How I vote at the ballot box is only one small part of being political.
So yes, please vote tomorrow, but I also encourage you to vote with your actions and conduct every day. I firmly believe in the role of government. Still, I also believe in the power of being an engaged neighbor in the community. This is how we make our city a better place to live.
