As election day approaches, many of us find ourselves in a familiar dilemma: who do we vote for when none of the candidates seem to align with our values? It’s not uncommon to feel disconnected from the names on the ballot, especially when campaign tactics leave much to be desired.

Recently, I had a personal wake-up call. I discovered that the candidate I was planning to put first on my ticket was behind a campaign I find utterly cringe-worthy. It left me questioning whether I could really stand behind someone whose approach to politics feels so disconnected from the issues I care about.

It seems that many voters are facing a similar struggle. In a time when political campaigning is often focused on discrediting opponents rather than proposing constructive ideas, it’s easy to feel like you’re being asked to choose the lesser of evils. But should voting be about picking someone simply because they're not as bad as the alternative?

Here’s the thing: elections shouldn’t be about just avoiding the worst option. They should be about finding someone who truly represents your values and your vision for the community. Yet, in an environment where many candidates seem more focused on criticising others than offering real solutions, it’s becoming harder to make that choice.

So, what can we do? We can start by looking beyond the surface of the campaign noise and asking ourselves some tough questions:

• What are the issues that matter most to me?
• Which candidate has a clear stance on these issues?
• Are they offering real solutions, or just playing politics?

Yes, it’s hard when a candidate’s campaign style puts you off, but at the end of the day, it’s their policies and ability to deliver on them that should matter most.

If you’re finding it difficult to navigate the election and make an informed choice, you’re not alone. Many of us are struggling to cut through the noise. But by focusing on the issues and what each candidate stands for, we can still make a decision that reflects our values—and ultimately helps shape the community we all want to live in.