We’re officially now in the home stretch of one of the strangest elections in B.C. history. Called a year before B.C.’s “fixed” election date required it, many questioned the need for this election during a pandemic.
But with little to lose and much to gain, B.C. Premier John Horgan chose to roll the dice.
Conducting a campaign during the pandemic has certainly presented challenges – to both candidates and voters. And it could be argued those challenges haven’t been distributed evenly. Challengers have had less chance to be heard, while stage-managed events conducted largely online have favoured the governing NDP.
For a party in a position of strength, there’s probably much to love about election-by-Zoom.
Unlike other elections where a handful of issues usually surge to the forefront, this election has largely been about the NDP’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis. Whether you’re wondering if your business will survive, your kids should be in school or your aged parents will get the care they need, it’s the issue that has coloured all the others. Government has taken a starring role in the lives of its citizens.
Yes, having to deal with an election in a pandemic is a pain in the butt.
As has been pointed out before, democracy is the worst form of government – except for all the others. Take some time to make an informed choice in the next few days. Pull out the North Shore News election guide in today’s paper and spend some time with it, or better yet, click here.
Whether you drop off your mail-in ballot, take advantage of the last day of advance polls or do your thing on Saturday, make sure you vote.
In these unprecedented times, there’s a lot riding on the outcome.
