Next week's federal election gives every adult citizen a chance to make their values known

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In preparing to cast a ballot in Tuesday's federal election, many factors will come into play. Voters must take into account each party's platforms and promises, weigh out how much they believe those promises, and gauge what effect their vote will have on the overall political picture.

It is just as important, however, to think local when preparing to vote as it is when preparing a grocery list. The focus of Tuesday's events should be on our local representatives, rather than on our national leaders.

The Members of Parliament elected in our region will spend about four days a week in Ottawa, acting as the voice of our communities in matters both mundane and vital. The Member for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, Fundy Royal or Beauséjour must be able to act on behalf of the community, and also be available to hear it out.

Because MPs usually vote along party lines, it is important that we familiarize ourselves with each party's platform, but even more important that we find out how each local candidate interprets that platform.

There are times when our representative will be asked to vote his or her conscious. We need to be comfortable that we are sending the best candidate for the region, so that we can count on her or him to push for what we want and need.

With all of these things to consider, it is no wonder that such a relatively large portion of our population doesn't make it to the polling station. It is easier to believe that one vote won't make a difference than to realize the power involved when you become part of the democratic process.

No vote is wasted in this, or any other, election. Even if the candidate who gains the seat wins by a large majority, the statistics from election night can be used as a portrait of the values of the community as a whole.

If each person votes for the candidate whose values most closely match our own, that portrait becomes more detailed and accurate.

There are only two adult Canadian citizens who cannot vote in the federal election - the Chief Electoral Officer and the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer. Even the Governor General gets a vote, though she or he traditionally abstains.

For everyone else, it is time to make your voice heard in Ottawa. Visit www.electionscanada.ca for a list of polling stations, required ID and other important information.