Today, there is something you need to do.
It's a simple, but important task.
You just have to spend five or 10 minutes at your local polling station - there's one in your home town or very close by - and mark an X to vote for your next representative in the provincial legislature.
The man or woman collectively chosen by you and your fellow voters will act on your behalf on issues that affect you and your family, and your personal lives.
If your member happens to sit on the government side of the House, they will be involved in decision-making on public policy, and make your case on local needs when it comes time to divvy up the provincial budget.
If the person you elect happens to sit with one of the two opposition parties, they will still make your case on local needs, and push government to ensure public policy decisions are fair and reasonable.
Government is not just a matter of who holds power. It is a matter of diverse opinions and strong voices from those who hold the title of Member of the House of Assembly.
So choose carefully.
Consider the status quo and ask yourself if you really want things to remain unchanged.
Consider the importance of a strong opposition to hold government accountable.
You might choose based on the party leader, or you might choose on the basis of a candidate's personality and passion for issues.
But choose.
Take that five or 10 minutes to exercise your democratic right to be part of the process of selecting political representatives.
And then....
Continue to be part of the process by challenging your elected representative on the things that matter to you.
Don't depend on their voice alone, and don't expect them to automatically take up the torch for you on a personal or community issue.
Be your own voice. Encourage others - your friends, family, and neighbours - to be a boisterous group of voices on local issues.
Push for what you know is right and for change where you believe change is needed.
Be informed, be determined, and be prepared to stand up for your rights and what's right.
October 11 is just one day in the political process. The rest is up to you.
Barbara Dean-Simmons
