Stephen Harper finally made it official and called a general election.  Anyone who didn’t see that one coming must be living under a rock.  With most of the previous mandate completed – for better or worse – and all parties spending far too much time posturing and not nearly enough time attempting to govern the country, it was time for an election.  Sure, some will complain that by calling this election, it plays havoc with the nice new piece of legislation surrounding mandated election dates.  Me, I’m not so sure the previous government should have held on that long.  These past few sessions have seen a lot accomplished.  This is especially interesting considering power has been balanced through the magic of a minority government.  More impressive is that minority’s longevity.  It’s lasted for over 2 years at this point.  I doubt it would have stood much longer.

I see the election as a good thing.  I’m still waffling over who I’d like to see in power and to what degree.  For the moment, I think I’d be satisfied with another minority Conservative government.  It was oddly effective and I, for one, would like to see government continue to move forward.  Mistakes have been made but nothing yet on the scale of the previous Liberal scandals (imho).

With the election call made I’ve begun to be bombarded with invitations to join virtual groups relating to the election or political parties.  Since I’m more of a “vote for a policy or local politician” type of girl, these “rah rah” Federal party invitations are getting on my nerves.  Even more annoying are the number of invites to groups I’ve had that are encouraging me to vote.

I can imagine the potential power of nagging suggestion inherent in social networking software, such as Facebook, I just don’t know whether or not I subscribe to the concept that those who join groups advocating voting in the upcoming Federal election will actually take the time to get off their duff’s and vote when the day comes.

Call me crazy; I like to vote.  I enjoy exercising my rights in a democratic society.  I especially enjoy the evening’s entertainment – where we gather around the TV and rant and rave about the election results.  I get to complain about the results because I voted.  I’ve voted in snow storms and in the middle of downpours.  I’ve voted when it’s bright and sunny outside.  When I’d rather be camping.  I’ve voted when it’s -40C and I’d rather have been snuggled safe at home under a blanket.  I even managed to vote in absentia for the last Federal election.  No mean feat considering I was 1/2 way around the world and knew more about the upcoming election than the official at the Canadian Consulate did.

Don’t take it too hard when I don’t join your virtual group or forward all the “sky is falling” emails.  Don’t worry though.  You can always count on me to vote.

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