Many Montreal voters will be gripped, this weekend, by a powerful temptation to say "a plague on all their houses" and just stay home, instead of voting to choose a new mayor for the city. But that would be a serious mistake.
First, of course, anyone who disdains the opportunity to vote will forfeit the moral right to grumble, for the next four years. But more practically, everyone also has the right to vote against several candidates, and that, too, is part of the democratic process.
At the mayoral level, there's certainly plenty to vote against: the apparent corruption of the status quo; the divisive prospect of an uncompromising sovereignist who is largely responsible for the structural mess the city is in now; and an anti-car zealot whose extreme views, odd beliefs, and lack of experience are truly alarming.
As we noted earlier this week, our own choice from this unappealing menu is Mayor Gérald Tremblay. But we are having no trouble understanding that many readers disagree. One opinion poll this week suggested a genuine three-way race too close to call. You have a chance to put your ballot paper on the scale against two of these sad choices - or even against all three, by voting for Louise
O'Sullivan or one of two other little-noticed candidates.
Even if you just can't bring yourself to vote for anyone for mayor, then you have extra incentive to use the rest of your ballot: To limit the power of our next mayor, which seems awfully prudent right now, Montrealers ought to elect a city council in which no party has a majority. That means voters need to seek out and support qualified local candidates - for borough mayor and city councillor, and while we're at it for borough-council posts, too - without regard to party. Voting the straight ticket has got us into our current situation, by letting power become hyper-centralized.
What we really need is a city council which includes the best candidates from all the parties, plus competent independents and even some representatives of the borough parties which have popped up in some places.
With 103 posts to be filled in Montreal - not counting on- and off-Island suburbs - we do not propose to start naming names. Readers will know better than we do which local candidates are rooted in the neighbourhood, respected, and promising. By voting for somebody who'll be loyal to you and your district first, and to a party or ideology only second, you can help yourself - and the whole city.
In many suburbs, mayor's chairs have been filled by acclamation; in some others incumbents face only long-shot challengers. But almost everywhere the same principle applies: City governments work best when councillors speak with many voices - and when citizens make sure councillors remember who's boss.
In cities and towns across Quebec, polls are open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The website election-montreal.qc.ca or your city's site, has more information.