Send in your vote, please

I'm a big fan of voting. Heck, I'd vote twice if it weren't so frowned upon. I vote in every federal, provincial and municipal election; about the only thing I don't vote for is Canadian Idol or Battle of the Blades. So when it comes time for the CWB elections (of which I am ineligible to vote for, darn it), I get a little bothered that very few farmers exercise their democratic right.

My friend Shaun Haney of realagriculture(dot)com fame posted about the hum-drum feel of this year's CWB election. I can't say I disagree. I'm the first to admit that the upcoming election was barely mentioned in my own magazine. Why? Well, because the more things are being talked about the more likely you'll find it in Grainews. What happened? Besides a few announcements of the election happening, I heard nothing. Nada. Zilch.

Does a boring election mean you shouldn't vote? No. Quite the contrary. The CWB, for better or for worse, is responsible for pricing a good portion of farmers' production — you should absolutely make your views heard by voting for your area's director (odd numbered districts this year, in case you hadn't heard). If you're like me and, at times, don't like any of the choices in front of you, you should still vote, but pick up the phone first and call the candidates in your area. Find one that seems in-line with your way of thinking and cast your ballot. Please.

Farmers have until Friday to get their ballots postmarked and en route to the CWB.