We have a party system where the person you might like to vote for is most often intrinsically tied to a party and a set of beliefs. As much as you might value their integrity, to a certain extent, their hands are tied.

On the other hand, take a look at what can happen when you opt out of the party system and vote for an independent.

They are not answerable to any party, but holy guacamole, we only have to look at the lessons from 2010 to see that maybe we don’t want a couple of people to have a whole lot of power.

This election campaign has given Gunnedah a lot to think about and has crystallised our issues.

On the whole, we haven’t had a huge amount to complain about, and yet the promises have rained down.

The election spotlight has shown how great the divide is between those who support new, large-scale mining in the area, and those who don’t. Unfortunately, it has brought a farmers versus businesspeople chasm to light.

Who can pick which way we will vote?

On the positive side, it is good to be in an electorate where we are taken seriously, on the negative side, where will it get us in the end?

Don’t forget that it is your right to have a say – in fact, in Australia, it is your duty to have a say. Vote with both your heart and your head on Saturday.