In the Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale riding, the choice this time around is very similar to the last time we headed to the polls, in January, 2006. Even most of the faces are the same, with incumbent Conservative David Sweet, NDP Gordon Guyatt and Marxist-Leninist Jamilé Ghaddar vying for our affections. The only difference this time around are the entries of Arlene MacFarlaneVanderBeek in the Liberal camp and Peter Ormond as the Green Party candidate.

When it comes to issues, the environment, taxation, and protection for the agricultural industry remain as some of the top concerns for local constituents.

Poll numbers from the 2006 federal election revealed that although the national voter turnout rate was just 64.9 per cent, the turnout in the ADFW riding was one of the highest in the country, at 77.6 per cent. In 2004, 69.5 per cent of ADFW voters exercised their right while the national numbers were much lower, at 60.9 per cent.

This time around, with such a tepid local campaign –two candidates didn’t even make it to Flamborough’s only debate, earlier this week –many voters may consider saving their gas money by staying home on Tuesday. But this type of faulty logic would deprive them of the opportunity to truly shape the community –and country –they live in.

In a poll following the 2006 election, non-voters told Elections Canada their reasons for not exercising their democratic right. They included; a loss of interest in politics; not liking their choice of candidates; a lack of time to vote and events that prevented them from voting, such as school, work or family commitments.

The truth is, casting an informed vote is a big responsibility. Learning the issues and deciding who best represents your personal vision for a better country takes time and effort.

But with a very real economic crisis occurring south of the border, troops who continue to risk their lives in Afghanistan and the need to create and implement effective environmental policies, it’s worth it to take the time to make your voice heard.

Happy Thanksgiving –and don’t forget to vote.