#validate has no $edit parameter

Hello Drupal Cats,

I am using the #validate key in a form element to validate a 'Province' select box.

In order to check the list of legal values, I need to know what was selected in the 'Country' select box.

The function that #validate refers to receives only the $element as a parameter. I have tried to add $form['location settings']['profile_country']['#value'] to the parameters list, but it does not send anything through.

How do I access something like $edit within the #validate function, like the #submit functions have?

Any tips would be appreciated.. especially if you can see that I'm going about this in a lopsided fashion.

Thanks
Campbell