Do I have to vote in the upcoming local government elections? This is a question I have heard asked a few times recently.

The question I believe that should be asked is not this one. It should be why should I vote in the upcoming local government elections.

Are you happy with your local council, the services they are providing you, or not. Either way you have an opportunity to provide local leadership in the upcoming election.

Either way you should vote. With voting not being compulsory however, many of you will not vote. Historically 2 out of 3 of you will not. So why should you vote if you don’t have to.

You may not be happy with what Council has been doing. You may be unhappy with how your representatives, be that your Mayor or your Ward Councillors. Some of you won’t be.

If this is the case then you should surely vote. You cannot change what you don’t like without casting a vote for change. If you don’t you really can’t complain about what may be not right with Council.

With the retirement earlier this year of our previous Mayor, you will have a new Mayor after the elections.

You may on the other hand be happy with what Council is doing. You may be happy with the way your local Ward Councillors have been representing you.

If this is the case, why should I vote. Don’t believe that you don’t need to vote because all is well. By not voting you risk losing someone you believe is looking after your interests.

Many of you have indicated that you believe in my record and have faith in my future contribution. You have thanked me for working for you. Thanked me for providing local leadership. Thanked me for solving your issues for you. I appreciate these sentiments.

That said, over to You!

If you believe in me I need your vote. Please help me to help you by voting for me.

Written & authorised by Don Palmer, 19 Kelvin Avenue, Clarence Park SA 5034