Debate Afterthoughts: A Province Confused

After tonight's debate, it's visible to see an intense divide between the parties involved in this year's election. Voters are increasingly floundered at the growing tension between Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney. Having leaders spew hatred at one another in an attempt to get a leg up can give us an internal sense of bleak hope. On April 4, 2019, Notley, Kenney, Mandel, and Khan took part in a spirited and lively debate in which the smaller parties were afforded the opportunity to share their party's positions on issues that matter to Alberta.

Though there were some instances of irritating divisiveness and fear-mongering, the debate poised some important questions which were met with a spirited, controlled debate - but more importantly it offered everyone on the debate floor a chance to respond and participate. Instead of hearing the constant rhetoric of Blue vs. Orange, we were afforded the opportunity to hear the voice of parties with much smaller representation. And, personally, I can see the good in every single party. The problem is, our province doesn't reflect having four parties with legitimate ideas with its Legislative representation.

Perhaps we needed a reminder that we don't exist in a two-party system.  We're free to vote for who we feel is best.

I've heard several Albertans state their confusion over who to vote for and limit their choices between the two major parties due the the fact that they're nervous of accidentally electing the wrong government. The problem is, if we all think this way, who knows how many votes are being miscast. Who knows what the differing outcome could be if we all didn't try and "outsmart the system"?

This is not a call to persuade you who to vote for - vote for who you feel is best - this is a reminder that strategic voting can have negative consequences. In my opinion, we should stick to voting for who truly reflects our ideologies in order to build a society that truly reflects our values. 

Beyond simply hearing the leaders debate and answer Q&A, make sure to go beyond the face of the party and view what it is they stands for, and who represents them. 

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