By Rick Strankman, MLA
Drumheller - Stettler
The sixteenth and arguably one of the greatest Presidents of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, is well known for his notable quotes. One such quote has always stood out as a measure of leadership.
“Nearly all men can stand the test of adversity, but if you really want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
With the unification of the two Alberta provincial conservative parties, there have been some rough spots. The vote to achieve a unification result was met with highly motivated member participation and a high degree of acceptance with an overwhelming 95 per cent approval from both legacy parties.
Recently, it’s been reported in the Drumheller - Stettler constituency, that the local candidate nomination committee felt it appropriate to have only two polling stations based on the geography of the riding. The feedback I received throughout the riding was opposed to this limited access to polling. After significant input, I was informed that we will now have six polling stations in Provost, Coronation, Stettler, Drumheller, Oyen and Hanna.
In the second largest rural riding in the province, I too, felt it unconscionable that there would be unachievable time allocations and distance constraints for UCP members that wished to cast a ballot. In the past, I have explained how unintended consequences can be created by a lack of consideration. One such unintended consequence in this case would be the public perception and bevy of interesting questions pertaining to polling.
How could it be that in the Drumheller - Stettler constituency there would be no polling stations in either Drumheller or Stettler? Doesn’t it seem unusual that there would not be polling stations in either of the two largest population centers in the riding? Not to mention neglecting the towns that the constituency is named after??
It raises even more questions, considering the local constituency association has the financial stability to allow them to have various polling locations throughout the riding. On a shoestring budget, the 2011 edition of the Wildrose Constituency Association had member voting in six different locations, in what was then a smaller constituency in both landmass and population.
For some members wishing to exercise their democratic right to vote, they will be facing even further adversity as a result of the nomination process being initiated during what is traditionally prairie harvest time. The timing being in the middle of harvest also adversely affects the ability for a significant portion of those wishing to vote to do so; as does the scheduled polling time-constraints that many members will be limited by.
All of the above aside, Albertans have historically overcome challenges and more often than not, they use the democratic power they have to be successful over the adversity they face. It’s how our province became one of the greatest places in the world to live. It’s the successful attitude that pervades here and it’s the fabric of who we are.
Most importantly, take the time to get out and vote on Sept. 27 in Provost and Coronation, on Sept. 28 in Stettler and Drumheller, and on Sept 29 in Oyen and Hanna. Exercise your democratic right to show who possesses the power.
Do your part in making Alberta great again and bring back the Alberta Advantage.