Hints of a federal election this fall are sending party leaders into campaign mode, but if voters don't seem too intrigued, there could be a logical explanation and it emanates from south of the border.   

It seems many Canadians are too caught up the American presidential election to pay attention to what's happening on their own soil.

Americans vote on November 4th in an election that's generated huge interest worldwide and now with talk that Canada may be headed to the polls at around the same time, it could pose some big challenges to local politicians.

"I haven't gotten around to thinking about Canadian right now, I'm following the American one very closely," remarked one voter.

"I don't know whether our politicians are more bland here or what, but there's no zip to it," adds Helen Lepper.

Polls reveal that Canada's waning economy, the environment, and crime are all national concerns, but will parallel elections distract voters from paying attention?

Liberal leader Stephane Dion says not a chance.

"The fact that there is an election in United States is not a major (issue). What the prime minister will propose as an agenda in the parliament is a major one," he said.

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