If you are reading this editorial, it's a good bet you are already somewhat engaged in your community. You like to stay informed about local issues and chances are you fully intend to vote in this month's municipal elections.
And, unfortunately, at least as far as the last item is concerned, that puts you in the minority.
In 2008, for instance, just 39 per cent of eligible voters in the Town of Truro bothered to visit polling stations.
It's a far cry from the late 1950s when as many as 80 per cent of eligible voters in Truro exercised their right to be heard at the ballot box.
Voter turnout in Colchester County and the Town of Stewiacke has also dropped sharply over the years, but this isn't a local issue. It's that way throughout the province and across the country.
People like to complain about their elected representatives. They just don't always take the trouble to actually vote for one.
When advance polls open today at noon, however, we're just a wee bit optimistic that the downward trend in voter turnout will be reversed somewhat, especially in Truro where you don't even have to leave your house to vote. A laptop, iPhone, land phone, etc. and a personal identification number that should have arrived in the mail is all you need.
After that, it's simply a matter of pressing a few buttons and your civic duty is done.
There are some very interesting races in Truro as well, not only for mayor, but in all three wards and for the local school board seat as well. That's a far cry from four years ago when there were only races in wards 2 and 3 and for school board.
As was the case in 2008, Stewiacke offers residents the choice of voting electronically or visiting the nearest polling station while Colchester County voters will be strictly old school with ballot boxes the only option.
In Colchester County, there are 20 candidates vying for the seven seats up for grabs. Mayor Bob Taylor and four councilors have been returned by acclamation.
In Stewiacke, there are 11 candidates (including four incumbents) vying for six seats. Deputy mayor Wendy Robinson will be the new mayor by acclamation.
On Oct. 20, we'll know the final results. Let's hope the one that tracks voter turnout is one that we can be proud of.
