Our Part in the October Elections

Stephen from Todds Valley

I was surprised when a friend told me he’d ripped up and discarded his voting papers. He seemed to believe all the candidates were pretty much the same and that voting wouldn’t change anything. This intelligent, kindly man has been around for about 70 years and it was a bit sad to think he felt so helpless.

We are living in an age of significant change and it is essential we vote according to our interests and beliefs. It is important for good people to vote. It can also be useful to discuss our views so we can test our ideas and maybe help others to see things from a different perspective.

I will vote after considering all the candidates. I will choose those whose ideals are closest to mine and with whom I best resonate…. not because of their qualifications, their time served with the Council (or DHB), because they’ve attended so many meetings … or because others like them. I will pay attention to my innermost feelings and make my selection according to how peaceful I feel with my choice.

We are unlikely to have perfect governing bodies after this election, but we can improve. We should strive for the best, and full participation must help in this regard.