It is hard to recall another Election Day when the outcome has been so uncertain and polls have been forecasting a photo finish.

Given that, and the high number of people who say they are undecided, today's election may well depend on how many people turn out to vote.

Historically, turnout at Bermuda elections has been extremely high.

In part, this is because Bermudian voters truly know their candidates and can make firm judgments based on their personal knowledge of the strengths and abilities of those people who are asking to serve them in public office.

Few other countries can claim the same thing in a national election. Most voters in other countries do not expect, as Bermudians do, that candidates will visit them personally.

Every vote in Bermuda counts. Perhaps more than ever, a few votes in a very few constituencies may decide this Election. And because Bermuda is going to the polls under a new system, no one can say with any certainty which constituencies will be the crucial ones.

People should remember that when they decide not to vote or when they do not bother to vote because they have a grievance of one sort or another.

Election time is the time to put aside past and personal grievances and vote for what you want for the future.

There are people today who are saying they will not vote because they do not like either major party and they have no one else to vote for. It is worth remembering that like it or not, one party is going to be elected.

If you do not vote you have not had a say and should not complain two years from now that you are unhappy with the people someone else elected.

Voters today need to answer the question of who can best run Bermuda and this decision should be based on the contestants' records, the quality of their candidates and their visions for the future.

It has been said that this has been a "nothing election". Nothing could be further from the truth. It has been unusual in the sense that the Progressive Labour Party has run almost entirely on its record of the past five years while the United Bermuda Party has run mainly on what it plans to do in the future.

But it has not been a nothing election. There are major issues at stake today on a wide range of issues, including housing, education, the elderly, crime and health. The parties have spoken. Now it is the turn of the voter - whom the politicians serve and to whom they are accountable.

The campaign of the last six weeks has given you a chance to decide which party is the best for you. Even if neither inspires you greatly, you should still vote for the one you think best for your future.

In 1998, this newspaper said: "Ask yourself if the individuals and their party will speak for you in the future and create the kind of Bermuda that is best for you and for Bermuda's children. Voting is not a frivolous game. It should not be taken lightly. A vote should be cast with care and concern."

The same is true today.