The University of Alberta Students' Union-hosted Edmonton-Strathcona all-candidates forum 7:00 pm tonight at the Myer Horowitz Theatre is sure to be a good show.Though there's been a sizable amount of media coverage about NDP candidate Linda Duncan's chances of knocking-off Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer, I think Duncan's chances rest more on Jack Layton's performance in Thursday night's leaders' debate than any of the local candidates debates.
As a frustrated and undecided Edmonton-Strathcona voter who can't stomach the overly negative Conservative and confusing Liberal campaigns, I've narrowed my options down to three ballot box choices on October 14:
a) Voting for Linda Duncan: There is no doubt that in 2008 Duncan is the only candidate with a shot at defeating Jaffer. Though it remains debatable how good her chances actually are.
b) Voting for Green candidate Jane Thrall: Nothing in this campaign has made me feel like any of the three main political parties have earned my vote, so the idea of supporting a non-traditional party is very appealing.
c) Spoiling my ballot: There's a strong possibility that Barack Obama could get my write-in vote.
I hate the NDP, the Liberal campaign is pathetic (and I hate the federal Libs, too), but you won't ever catch me voting for a Conservative.
ReplyDeleteI also hate the Greens for being a bunch of clowns who aren't accomplishing anything. Yeah, the last thing we need in Canadian politics is MORE USELESS PARTIES.
God, what a bunch of awful choices. I voted for Linda last time, and for Azania in 2004, but I don't know if I can hold my nose and do it again. If I knew that my vote was going to be the deciding factor, I'd give it to Linda just because Rahim is so disingenuous and unaccomplished. But at the end of the day, this seems like a "likely Conservative retention" to me.
You'll both be kicking yourselves if Rahim wins by a vote or two. :)
ReplyDeleteHey, what are the rules federally in the event of a true tie? Do they have to run a by-election?
This seems like something Dave would know (or know how to find the answer to).
You know, I've never voted anything but Liberal in my life, my I think the Greens might just get my vote this time. I don't believe they're "a bunch of clowns" after reading through their platform. It's logical, lucid, clear and most of all very comprehensive - there's a lot more than just tree-hugging policies.
ReplyDeleteI haven't decided yet, and am not partisan to any party. But I remember being won over by a similar substance-filled platform last fall, and ended up voting for some kid I'd never heard of before. And Iveson hasn't turned out to be anything other than what he promised.
Among the problems with voting Green is that you would be affirming that you are opposed to eating bananas, mangos, grapes, cherries and everything else that grows more than about 100kms from Edmonton. Now there's a slogan: Turnip Lovers Unite!
ReplyDeleteAs far as I knew ties were decided by the RO - which was upsetting provincially where they were all Tory shills (although ties are rare if never come up). I don't think a tie is a by-election though.
ReplyDeleteTies in federal elections result in a by-election being called. It used to be that it was decided by the RO (as it is provincially) not that that happens often
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to spoil your ballot, keep with the non-traditional appeal and write-in Ralph Nader :)
ReplyDeleteVote for Duncan, Dave. I really don't like the NDP, but I'm taking the advice of voteenvironment.ca. Also, Elizabeth May has urged green party voters to vote for another candidate if they have a reasonable chance of knocking of a Conservative. Jaffer's got to go.
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in getting rid of the conservative, I am not sure why you wouldn't vote NDP.
ReplyDeleteI suppose you'll just have to ask yourself if you want someone in Parliament who represents the vast majority of your views, or you want to protest and make a statement. Both are fine uses for the ballot box, but one will get you someone doing something concrete for the environment in Parliament, while the other vote will go toward tilting at windmills. You decide.
But in a race such as this one, where honestly the Liberal polling numbers are worse than 06, it may just be closer. One thing is for sure, though - it won't be closer if you vote Green. Knocking off Rahim will just be further away.
If the point of participating in the electoral system is to put someone in a chair in Ottawa, so that they may pass laws that are agreeable to you, then vote NDP. If you have some other reason for participating in the system, then vote Green.