Across the country there are various elections taking place as people make decisions about local government. Campaigning is supposed to have been happening around the area over the last few weeks, and yet today is the first time that I have met any of the local candidates.

I plan to vote, and have had no doubt that I would be heading to the polling station. It is in my psyche that voting is important no matter how frustrated I might be with politicians, as I recognise and appreciate the freedom of choice we have within our country. I find myself slightly concerned though as to how to vote as I know very little about what each pay is standing for locally.

Now lest you think that I have no political affiliation, I do. But in local elections I have on occasion in the past been swayed by a particular person or policy that seemed to suit the community in which I was living. With nothing to look at and having no physical encounter with the policies of any party, I may be undecided before I walk down the road, and heaven help us if I have to resort to the “eeny, meeny, miny, mo” principle.

In our area the same party has got in time and time again, and I suspect that the lack of campaigning is a sign that people think it is a done deal. No politician should ever assume that it is a done deal, for a political party’s reputation is only ever as good as the campaigning and working out of policies the represent.

The local evening paper last night reminded readers,

…be sure to vote. And…vote for the person and not the party. It does not matter what rosette they are wearing. What matter is whether they have the commitment and intelligence for the role.”

In part I agree. A politician should be committed to their role, and be able to be thoughtful in what the hope to contribute. But the colour of the rosette does matter, for each of us is tainted by. The history and continuing mission of those we seek to represent. No politician is able to truly stand for their own policies and values if they are part of a political party, and instead find themselves going with the flow rather than cause a rumpus.

So now I think I need to do a little research and see who is standing for what locally, so I can make an informed choice. But the lack of campaigning my way makes me feel uneasy – for it makes me wonder who the politicians have decided that they need to persuade, and if they think a sure thing lies ahead with a possible low turn out.