No matter who you vote for, candidates deserve credit and thanks
Editorial

Well, the day has arrived.

Unless you have taken advantage of the advance polls and already voted in the provincial election, then today is the day for you to get up and make your opinion count.

Last week, in this space, we urged you all to get out and vote, trying to make as clear a common sense argument as possible. We don't intend to repeat those points again. If the numerous messages haven't already been received, then one more is not likely to make much of a difference.

Just get out and vote. It's the right thing to do.

And while you're at it, maybe a moment to reflect, with a certain amount of gratitude and appreciation for the people who have put their names forward to be your representative at Queen's Park might not be out of line.

King Township's expanse covers two ridings, and each of those has six candidates in the running. They run the range from seasoned political veterans to rookies. Some of them are representing party platforms, while others are just trying to get certain ideas aired and before the public.

At the risk of tying to influence people while the polls are still open, we would submit that only four of the 12 people seeking votes in King have realistic chances of being elected today (you're free to speculate at you leisure which four we're referring to).

But no matter what the motivation might be, these 12 people have shown a deep concern for their community and their convictions, along with the considerable amount of courage to stand up and voice their views.

True, it's not particularly hard to express your thoughts to people who agree with you. But facing those who do not is another chore. Most voters, we would argue, are usually polite and willing to hear out a candidate. Some can't be bothered and others are likely to be hostile. Some parties put forth platforms that some people regard as offensive, and some parties are led by people that who may not be considered worthy of trust. And in a lot of cases, it's the local candidates who have to take the flack, and that includes comments coming form the mouths of people who don't have a clue what they're talking about.

That is the human mixture that these 12 people have spent the last month or so facing, and they have done so of their own free will.

How many of us would be willing to do that. Probably not many.

It is true that if you vote in one of King's wards, there are going to be five people that you will be voting against. There are plenty of good, honourable and responsible reasons for voting for or against anyone. but that should not take away from the fact these people offered their services to you. They may not all be worthy of your vote, but they are certainly worthy of your respect, and your thanks.

We also have to remember that political campaigns are not solo acts. These candidates, worthy as they might be, have been backed up by numerous volunteers, who have given of their time and energies to help get the message out. Some hats need to be tipped in that direction too.