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LETTER: Up to you how to vote, eh?

Reader Gary Ockenden: "I’m going to vote strategically this election because my objective is 100 per cent clear."
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I have something to say about the value of strategic voting ... or not. Each eligible voter has the right to help choose who will represent them in the government of Canada. It’s a wonderful privilege and being a voter is a great club to belong to. How you choose to vote is up to you ... no one else, eh?

You can choose the candidate you prefer, the party leader you prefer, the party you prefer, or vote based on one or more policy positions important to you. You can also vote strategically, which in this election means choosing the candidate most likely to defeat the Conservative candidate. Every approach is honourable, honest.

People are working to persuade you to vote based on all these fine reasons — and that’s part of democracy too. How you choose to vote is up to you ... no one else, eh?

I’m going to vote strategically this election because my objective is 100 per cent clear — to not elect Stephen Harper and the Conservatives again. I have preferences among the candidates, parties, leaders and policies, but these are in the back seat this time for me.

We have a (very smart) uber-controlling, ideologically driven prime minister. He has done nothing to address climate change (except obstruct progress), ignored aboriginals, youth, seniors, poor people, and veterans voices and issues, been obstructive and aggressive internationally, stripped us of democratic rights (tried to register to vote yet?), and used divisive issues to pit us against each other. And honestly, the economy has been stewarded in a mediocre way at best (check The Economist or World Bank if you don’t believe me).

I am voting for the NDP in this riding, because all indicators are that Wayne Stetski has a great shot at beating David Wilks. I want to wake up on Oct. 20 without a Conservative government — that’s enough for me for now. And I get one vote.

Gary Ockenden

Nelson