For the Moms:Currently in our country we are in the middle of a Federal election campaign! Unfortunately, the statistics show that most eligible
young voters our age do not vote. Today we discussed the
importance of mothers being informed voters. The political choices we support today will have an impact on our children and grandchildren tomorrow. We need to know the issues, weigh our options, and prayerfully make
our own choice as we go forth to vote.
What counsel have we received in regards to voting and participating in our country's political process from our church leaders? "SALT LAKE CITY: 22 September 2008: The following letter was issued by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 11, 2008, to be read to Church congregations throughout the United States [applicable to Canadians as well]:
Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church
As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future.
Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties.
Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government.
The Church affirms its neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues
Sincerely yours,
Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The First Presidency"
(newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/first-presidency-issues-letter-on-political-participation)
For a scriptural reference, one could review section 134 of the Doctrine and Covenants which is a declaration of belief regarding governments from the Church.
Who are the Canadian Parties and Leaders that we have to choose from?
The current Prime Minister of Canada is Stephen Harper, the leader of the Conservative Party. Rick Casson is the incumbent Conservative Member of Parliament(MP) in our riding. For more information about the Conservative Party of Canada, Stephen Harper, or Rick Casson, please visit:
www.conservative.ca
The current leader of the Official Opposition in Canada is Stephan Dion, leader of the Liberal Party. Micheal Cormican is the Liberal Party member running in our riding. For more information on the Liberal Party of Canada, Stephan Dion or Micheal Cormican, please visit:www.liberal.ca
The NDP (New Democratic Party) is lead by Jack Layton, with local candidate Mark Sandilands running in our riding. For more information on the New Democratic Party, Jack Layton, or Mark Sandilands, please visit: www.ndp.ca
The Green Party in Canada is lead
byElizabeth May, with local candidate Amanda Swagar running in our riding. For more information on the Green Party of Canada, Elizabeth May, or Amanda Swagar, please visit: www.greenparty.ca
The Christian Heritage Party is lead by Ron Gray, with local candidate Geoffrey Capp running in our riding. For more information about the CHP, plea
se visit:www.chp.ca
Who Should I Choose to support?
We can't tell you that! What things do you care about? What effects you? What do you worry about for your children and grandchildren? What kinds of things do you hope will be available to them? Which party's outlook matches yours the best?
Luckily the Internet makes finding out very convenient! Take an evening to look over the party websites. Review the candidates and platforms (it actually doesn't take as long as you might think!). Learn the issues by watching the national news. Try to watch some coverage from all of the different networks (CBC, CTV, GLOBAL) as each will have it's own particular view of things. Prayerfully consider the options. Chances are that you won't find the perfect choice - you just have to make the best one that you can.
What's important is not so much who you decide to vote for, as that YOU are making your OWN informed decision. Try not to vote a certain way because someone else you know votes that way, or because that's they way your family has always voted, or because of some word-of-mouth information that was passed along to you. Of course you can talk with and take into consideration the views and opinions of friends and family members, etc - but You owe it to your children and grandchildren to know the issues and make your own decision.
How Do I Vote?
The election is to be held on Tuesday, October 14th. Polls will be open from 7:30am to 7:30pm. (*tip* if you can, go during working hours - it will be less busy and you'll get in and out faster) To find out where you need to cast your ballot, go to www.elections.ca and click on the link for "voters." You should find all of the information you need to know there. Be sure to check out what kind of identification you will need to bring with you (typically a valid driver's license with current address - but be sure to check the website, as well as alternatives if you don't have a DL that works) you don't want to be turned around after you get there!.
For the Tots:
The kids enjoyed some delicious chocolate chip cookies made by Sister Roberts as we talked about the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend, and made "turkeys" out of their hands by tracing them onto paper.
