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Social media took an ugly turn in the final hour

Of the eligible voters in our community only approximately 45 percent came out to place their vote.

Well, another session of voting has come to pass for Princeton residents. Of the eligible voters in our community only approximately 45 percent came out to place their vote. I just don’t get it, why do so few take part in something that is so important?

Is is because you don’t think it matters?

It does matter! Wars were fought to give us the freedom to live in a democratic society, people died so that we could have this opportunity. The one sure way to end a democratic society is to not vote - we will loose our right eventually.

Is it because you don’t know the people you are voting for? Educate yourself then, get to know them. Attend council meetings—they are held on the first and third Monday of the month at the Princeton Library.  RDOS meetings are held twice a month, on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 101 Martin Street in Penticton.

Is it because you don’t feel that anything will ever change? For starters, do something about that. Make your voice heard about what it is you want to see changed. Talk to those that you think could or should be dealing with your concerns.

Government officials are accessible, just contact them the proper way. Like doctors, they shouldn’t be accosted on the street, follow procedure and make an appointment to speak with them. Remember like you, these people have families and private lives and they are just as entitled to them as you are.

Maybe it is just one of those things—something I won’t ever be able to understand.  I do find this very difficult to understand and to accept.

Congratulations to those that won their seats in the election and huge thanks to the individuals that exercised their right, believed in the candidates and the communities they will represent so much so, that they took the time out to go and vote. Kudos go out to all the challengers in the election. Thank you for putting yourselves out there and for caring enough about your community to do so.  To Mayor Randy McLean and Councillor Ray Jarvis, your many accomplishments and years of dedicated service are appreciated and will be remembered, by numerous people in our community.

Besides lack of voter participation in this election, the one thing that really made me mad was the fact that people participating in a social media site, were making fun of the individuals who worked hard during election day. Now, I understand the excitement that brews while waiting for results, but to turn it nasty by insulting people who, again have come forward to do something that benefits the entire community?

Who are you to judge? These people began their day at about 7:30 in the morning and stayed until the vote count was complete. They dedicated themselves to something they believed in and during which, there were those of you who did nothing but joke, make fun of and insult them for doing so. Why? Does it make you feel superior?

People, there is a process to everything and to everything a process. Lack of understanding a process does not give you the right to insult those who are taking part and even if you did understand the process, you’ve still no right to sit on your duff and do nothing but pass judgement upon others.

“Three quarters of the miseries and misunderstandings in the world would finish if people were to put on the shoes of their adversaries and understood their points of view.”

~ Mahatma Gandhi