The most precious commodity any politician has in a democracy is the voter. Without support from the person stepping inside the freedom booth, they know that they will either be removed from office, or hopes of gaining one would be dashed.This is why so many politicians, prior to elections, are so willing to have a never-ending smile, kiss every baby in sight, and wear a cloak of Disney World type glitter, aimed at convincing as many voters as possible to put that X next to their name.There is nothing wrong with that, in fact this occurs in just about every democratic jurisdiction. After all, to be elected even as dog catcher, you need support. It takes courage to enter the political arena, especially these days, with more probing eyes than ever through modern technology and any stumble is exposed in seconds.It is a tough road for anyone aspiring to serve their country, and those choosing this route should be commended. But they must be aware that political objectives, along with those of the voter, hold the key to success or failure in a climate where confidence has been shattered.The voter who faces challenges on a daily basis, is not too interested in glossy political objectives, unless they genuinely improve their quality of life.The average voter, and this crosses all social and cultural lines, is concerned about the future of Bermuda, and the collapse of family values, making the country more vulnerable to out of control children.A new breed of criminal has also made the long-standing safety factor in Bermuda a thing of the past. Our doors and windows must be locked even when people are at home in most areas. It is a shame, but reality dictates that these days, one cannot be too careful day or night.Bermudians are troubled that these problems not only persist year after year, but most worry that they are getting worse. Of course we should never cease to search for new ways to build on whatever successes we have, to provide a brighter light for the generation yet to come.The curtain coming down on the United Bermuda Party’s run and the emergence of the One Bermuda Alliance as the new Opposition give the voter more scope in making electoral choices. Both the Progressive Labour Party and the new Opposition, are aware pre-election rhetoric from both sides could become overheated, and damaging statements may slip out that will not be easy to withdraw.Recently in the US, a CNN senior reporter was called a jackass by a US Congressman simply because the reporter put a question to him over a scandalous allegation. The reporter’s job was to question him, and as a public servant he should have been willing to respond truthfully. Instead he went into a tirade of anger against the press, which gave most observers the impression he was hiding something.One political commentator remarked how amazing it is that people like this actually get elected. Politicians must accept the fact that close scrutiny by the free press is vital to democracy and they should respect that principle. In our small society, with its history of social struggle, many voters on both sides are not yet free of voting with a sentiment attached to race. It is a hurdle we are still trying to get over. The bright spot here is that those numbers fall each day as more and more people yearn for quality leadership with people and the country as paramount.Voters today are looking for more than political word dancing to get Bermuda back on the right track. It goes beyond which political party is in power.It is a question of having people in power who place the people and the country first. Waving flags and wearing buttons to support one party or the other is fine, and is certainly a part of the democratic process, but no matter who wins, if a political party means more to some than the people, than the people lose.The voters are watching closely and listening to those in leadership positions on both sides. Those who are undecided will give deep thought to present conditions, and decide only after pulling the curtain behind them.It may be some time before all of this happens, but for the moment, the voter, like a jury, is looking at the evidence that could determine the next election’s outcome.There are many pressing issues facing our community, and problems are solved by trying to keep a cool head. Bitterness and anger only serve to further divide us, making it more difficult to pool our best resources for the good of the country.We must be willing to move to a new page of understanding and togetherness, if we want a better Bermuda.