E-day

Cocksure and triumphant, the choice of the people, I strode into the reception hall. The hired rock band took their cue. And everybody – volunteers, the curious, family, local mayors, party workers and people seeking free booze – stacked up to shake hands.

 Dorothy and I went to the stage, made a brief speech, posed for the media, held up the ‘thank you’ sign then went to press flesh. This was victory. The place was packed. Intoxicating. And it was all because the public had glimpsed into my soul and seen character, leadership and goodness.

Five years passed. Election night again. Dorothy and I waited until the results were crystal, then went to the venue. It was funereal.

The party failed, the government was lost, my seat was gone. A few loyalists clotted in the corners. The signs and balloons looked ridiculous. Media came to document the death of a cabinet minister. Me. My ancient father’s dementia kicked in and he started to cry. A TV guy ran over and stuck a camera in his face. I slugged him. And so went the night.

For voters, elections are about picking red, blue, orange or the leader whose visage you like. But for a thousand candidates each election, it’s personal. The ultimate judging happens and in the end there’s no second-place, runner-up ribbon or consolation. Just a mostly-empty room, costs, doubts and the knowledge the people rejected you for another. Deserved or undeserved is moot. Politics is a huge gamble. Most lose.

So here we are again. Monday is E-day in Canada, but today it’s ballot time here at GreaterFool. Below you can indicate your party preference, pass judgment on the process and identify the issue framing your choice. Let’s see how results here compare with the nation, then we can dream of a halcyon time when blog dogs run Canada.

Meanwhile remember it’s not all about Trudeau, O’Toole, Singh or that weird Max guy. They’re not on your ballot. Instead before you are the names of people courageous, arrogant, idealistic or naïve enough to stand for office at a time when politicians are reviled. Almost all those folks know they’ll be defeated. They do it anyway.

Vote as you wish, for your own reasons. But never mock or belittle a candidate who tried.

The GreaterFool 2021 federal election ballot

Please note: all survey submissions are anonymous.