EL ECT IONS
th GUEST EDITOR
Mercer says politicians pander to those who are most likely to vote—which is why there are more campaign stops at retirement homes than at college campuses. “If only 10 percent more young people show up in this election,” says Mercer, “it will change politics in this country forever.”
Rick Mercer shares his advice on how to cut through the campaigning and choose the candidate who best represents you.
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BY JILL BUCHNER
ou might be dreading the imminent federal election, but for political satirist Rick Mercer, it’s a time to relish. “Politics has always been my sport, and an election is like a World Series,” he says. Mercer’s unique ability to break down the impact of political issues made him our first choice for election guidance. He offered his insights on how to vote so that you are the winner.
DEFINE YOUR OWN ISSUES
Rather than give up, recognize that some messages are just noise. Political parties spend more money on attack ads every year, yet most of the criticism is based on a candidate’s appearance, notes Mercer. His advice? “When people have nothing good to say about themselves and all they can do is criticize everyone else, you want to look at them and ask, ‘What are they all about?’”
THINK LOCAL
We each vote for our member of Parliament, but in the weeks before we head to Jobs, the economy and the environment the polls, we hear far more about potential are all hot-button topics, but Mercer warns prime ministers than we ever do about the against letting the leaders’ dialogue dictate names on our ballots. what you think is important in the “Politics is the only business Mercer says it’s important to get to know upcoming election. where the main stakeholders local representatives. “The party in power need an MP who would like to define derive benefit from turning “You will stand up for your the issues as the people off of the process.” concerns in your riding. ones they think are And they have to be their strengths,” he hardworking because MPs do a lot of work.” says. “But it’s up to the individuals, too.” What you don’t want is a sheep. “If you Your age, job, lifestyle and values help sense the only thing that person cares determine your priorities. A smart vote about is doing what the party wants him to for you might be different from how do,” says Mercer, “I would run for the hills.” your parents and your spouse choose to vote.
Pessimistic about politics? It isn’t you. “Politics is the only business where the main stakeholders derive benefit from turning people off of the process,” says Mercer. “Politicians intentionally poison the entire market because, in many instances, they’re just as glad if people get turned off and stay home; therefore, they only have to concentrate on their base.”
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PUT AWAY EXCUSES
Not voting means not being heard. If Parliament confuses you, do a bit of research, says Mercer. “There are far more complicated things in this world.” Think the candidates are all the same? “You’re wrong,” says Mercer. “They have very different opinions and agendas.” He suggests voting is habit-building: If you start doing it, you’ll keep doing it. And bring your kids along—watching you vote will turn them into voters. After all, says Mercer, voting is the most important thing any citizen can do. “It’s an obligation. And I know this would be a far, far better country if people took it seriously.”
CANADIANLIVING.COM | OCTOBER 2015
PHOTOGRAPHY, DAVID WILE. GROOMING, TAMI EL SOMBATI
TUNE OUT THE NEGATIVITY
