In the upcoming weeks, with the federal elections on the agenda, the thought for whether to vote or not–as well as whom to vote for–will be gnawing at the minds of Canadians.

The amount of confusion and propaganda spewing through the Internet and circling our media outlets, growing in forms of personal attacks and cheesy campaign ads has left many of us ill informed.

With so much misinformation and difference of opinion, it is very difficult to even know where to begin.

This type of disorientation has consequences. Many young people have become discouraged, losing both hope and trust in the system and so believing that their vote no longer matters; while others have become completely apathetic and disconnected.

The opposing side of the spectrum has sparked many activists to take action as well.

One factor for why some have chosen not to vote is that perhaps some of what they are claiming about our government is unfortunately true.

If we truly live in a democracy, then why do so many people believe that their vote is insignificant?

As Canadians we have seen our share of corruption and government scandal in recent years. Just recently we’ve had the Canadian Senate expenses scandal, commonly known as the ‘Duffy’ incident, while the current government seems to make unpopular decisions and plan agendas behind closed doors, at times even avoiding the media.

One recent example is this controversial Bill C-51, a bill that many feel could infringe upon the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom and was still passed in spite of mass protests across the country.

There are parties and individuals that are running with ideals and hopes who are very much aware of the existing deception striving their very best to make a difference.

There are also those who try their best to make positive amendments to barriers in our system by simply voting against another party.

At the provincial level the NDP have even proposed banning corporate and union donation at federal levels, only pointing to the further unfair disadvantages of involvement with corporate entities in politics—a messy intersection of capitalism and democracy.

Yes, it is easy to point out what’s wrong, so let’s not forget to mention what’s right—because the good of this country still greatly outweighs the bad.

Canada still places amongst the top countries for living conditions, offering up equality and tremendous freedom for a vast and proud multicultural society.

Canada is a island of hope in a world that is hurting today. Pollution and homelessness still flourish, our economy has felt some major dips in recent months, old wars continue on while new ones commence, and millions men, women and children are fleeing their countries due to constant instability and conflict around the world.

At a time where peace-keeping is in demand more then before, Canada has dropped from a top contributing peace-keeping country to now ranking 65 according to contributions published on the United Nation’s website.

Now would be a period in political history that it is more important than ever to be informed and heard.

The men and women we elect shape and mold the direction and course of our schools, roads, parks, law enforcement, immigration, health system and so much more of our community. Meanwhile, our same tax dollars fund the programs and policies they make.

This week’s issue of the Endeavour contains profile features on each candidate. The Endeavour heavily encourages citizens of Lethbridge to become active in today’s world of politics and study each one.

For those of you who scoff at voting, or cannot seem to align yourself with a party, the current proceedings allow a person to reject their ballot as long as they show up in person.

The Elections Canada website states that in the last Federal elections, there was a 61 per cent voting turn-out, and in the previous elections of 2008, there was an all-time low turnout. Let’s not repeat this.

The future for not only us, but for our children and the generations to come will feel the impact of the decision our leaders make today. Let us strengthen the fabric of our system, show power in numbers and cast out our voices together this October in order to align our country with our values and beliefs