When British Columbians choose the next provincial government on Oct. 19, the election will follow a democratic process, allowing each eligible voter a single vote.
This is the way democracy functions in Canada.
Under our election structure, ballots are cast in secret, and the choice of which candidate to support is exclusively up to the voter. Nobody needs to know how anyone else voted, or if someone else has participated in the voting process. Voting is a highly personal decision.
One鈥檚 vote is nobody else鈥檚 business.
An employer does not dictate an employee鈥檚 vote, nor does a trade union or professional organization. There is no obligation to follow a family tradition, the leanings of members of a religious organization or leaders in a service club when casting a ballot.
And there is no requirement to vote for one candidate to prevent a different candidate or party from winning a seat.
A voter鈥檚 conscience and convictions determine how a ballot is cast. No vote is wasted, except for the vote that is not cast.
During the campaign period, candidates and political parties have had the opportunity to introduce themselves and present their platforms and positions to the electors.
In this province and in this country, democracy is valued and free and fair elections function well. The wishes of the people will matter, and the next provincial government will be determined by those who participate.
There have been plenty of candidate signs, advertisements, websites, public functions, candidate forums and other avenues to inform the voters of the choices open to them.
Then, on Oct. 19, voters are free to make their own choices. Each elector casts a single ballot and the results will determine which of the candidates will sit in the province鈥檚 93-seat legislature.
Not everyone will like the results, but the outcome is based on the wishes of the voters.
Our democratic system functions when people participate by casting informed votes, based on what they think is best.
鈥� Black Press
