Fall 2024 has been a season of elections. The upcoming provincial election on Nov. 26 comes hot on the heels of the American presidential election and Nova Scotia’s municipal elections in October. It’s entirely understandable if you’re feeling voting fatigue, but if you live in Nova Scotia, there are very good reasons to head back to the polls again at the end of the month.

Provincial politics affect everyone’s daily life
Provincial politics affect the taxes you pay, the roads you drive on, how much you pay for rent, the hospitals where you receive health care and the schools where your children are educated. If you have opinions on these matters (and who doesn’t?) and want to make a difference, voting is your best opportunity to do so.

Your vote makes your voice heard
It’s tempting to think that airing your opinions online, on radio call-in shows or in chats with friends is enough to make sure people know what you think, but in reality, voting is how to make change. Don’t think that abstaining from voting makes a point; in fact, you’re just silencing yourself.

You can guide the change you want to see
Read the party platforms (Liberal | NDP | Progressive Conservative) to find the one that’s most in line with what you believe, and then vote for the local candidate who represents that party. If you have questions, contact your local candidates to get answers – either at community debates or when they come door-knocking. They won’t know what you think unless you tell them – politicians rely on people speaking up to know what the issues are.

Before voting day, you’ll need to decide who you want to vote for, and then find out where and when you can vote.

There’s lots of information available about the three main parties in Nova Scotia, their platforms and their representatives.

• Watch highlights of the 14 leaders’ debate from CBC
• Read the party platforms: Liberal | NDP | Progressive Conservative
• Learn more about where the parties stand on health care

How to vote
Elections Nova Scotia didn’t send out voter information cards this year, so visit the website to find out where you’ll be voting – either at a returning office or advance poll before election day, or at your local polling station on Nov. 26.

Tip: the Elections Nova Scotia website works best on desktop, not mobile, so save it for a time when you’re not on your phone. If you’ve got questions, you can also call the Elections Nova Scotia public call centre at 1-800-565-1504.

Doctors Nova Scotia is deeply invested in strengthening the province’s health-care system. All Nova Scotians deserve to have a family physician, to have access to specialist services when and where they need them, and to have hospitals that have the staff and equipment they need. We believe that working together is key.

Everyone has a role to play in provincial politics. Don’t forget to vote on Nov. 26!

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