I have to get my ass in gear, and head down to the polls today to vote. Seth and I have plans to go there together. I'll be honest, I'm almost 24 years old (did you see that Simone, I said almost!) and I've never voted before.

I can't really explain myself for that one, but it definitely had something to do with an overwhelming cynicism about the actual effectiveness of casting a ballot. (That's one cynical skepticism that I'm still guilty of holding on to a little bit, but this year I'm setting that aside for the off-chance that I'm wrong.) I think that it can also be traced to my lack of true enthusiasm for any of the candidates. Then again, I never really followed the elections as closely as this year. (Which was still not as close as I would have liked.)

Before I make my way down to the ballot box, I would like to take this time to appeal to some people. Now, I don't think I'm really going out on any kind of limb by guessing that there's not many people reading this who would consider voting Conservative. But just in case I'm wrong, please please please, reconsider. There is so much to be lost under Harper. I know about minority governments, and that if they get in at all, it will likely be a crippled version of the party, bookended by the Liberals and NDP, but even still.. that's more PC than I care for.

Finally, directing this toward a more likely audience.. I know the Greens are a good party. I know that they have good ideas. And I know that it's refreshing to see a party placing the environment at equal standing with taxes and other issues. But please. We've never had a party in office that was even close to being truly progressive. Bearing in mind that fact, and the fact that the Greens (as we all know) don't stand a chance in hell of winning.. why not just suck it up and fucking vote NDP? Not that I really think that they will win, but they've got a much better chance.. and who knows.. if all you Greens were to align and vote for a party that is so close to yours it hurts (but with a few more realistic ideas, and less ties, from what I've been told, to big business.) then maybe it could happen. It seems to me like it might be worth just trying out this whole "not having a government that makes a mockery of the word 'democracy'" thing. Y'know? Maybe it's all about baby steps. First, try NDP. Give it a shot. They've got some good ideas on child-care, health-care, and affordable housing. They will not participate in the National Missile Defense Program, and want to safeguard civil liberties in light of the Anti-Terrorism Bill. If it works out, then you can vote Green all you want.

Me, I'll be happy if Harper gets the old "fuck off" vote, but I'd be even happier to see his older, slightly friendlier adversary Martin out of the game as well.

This election is giving me a headache.