In previous elections there was a problem of vote-splitting on the “right” end of the spectrum. This election the same thing may happen on the “left” side. Depending on which way you lean, this may or may not be a problem. In any case, the way elections work in Canada often gives rise to the need to vote strategically. This is something I am considering. As a result, I wanted to know which way my riding is likely to go so that I don’t inadvertently support a candidate that I don’t want to by helping split the vote. I found this site called www.electionprediction.org which allows you to look up your own riding and see how the votes went last election and what the site predicts will be the outcome this election. I hope this helps you make up your mind for how you will cast your one vote.

The down-side to strategic voting this election is that federal funding for parties next election is based on the number of votes they get this election. Thus, if the party you would really like to support this election has no chance of winning a seat in your riding, rather than voting strategically, you may still want to vote for them so that they can get more funding next election.

Therein lies the conundrum…