I will start off this post by saying I am not trying to change the minds of those people who have chosen not to vote. Nor do I judge them for that decision. I’m just sharing my opinion on why I believe voting is important, and start a conversation on this important issue!
As many of us know (at least my Canadian friends reading this) that Ontario has a provincial election today. As usual, all that I have found that every politician in this race has been doing is pointing fingers at the other parties rather than telling us how they will fulfill their campaign promises. I have felt like I have to choose between the lesser of 3 evils. But as frustrating as this decision process is, I am going to use my right to vote today. Why? Because I am grateful to have the right to have a say in how my province in run.
I just lived in a country where people don’t even talk about their government. People can vote in Vietnam... but it’s a one-party system. The general public have very little say in how their country is run, how decisions are made, and the decisions that do get made. As well, I know people in Canada who’s family immigrated here years ago, but still do not have full citizenship and right to vote. That’s why I feel privileged to have the right, and duty, to vote for the person who will represent my interests in the provincial government. Even if none of the candidates represent my interest, I am also free to tell them that by declining my ballot. That is a privilege that not everyone in the world has, and therefore I choose to honour that privilege by exercising it. All it takes is a few minutes to read the parties platforms, watch the leader’s debate, or do an online political compass quiz. Then just a few more minutes to go to your closest polling station to fill out your ballot. And again, I truly believe that declining your ballot (which is just as powerful as voting for a candidate) is also exercising your right to have a say in who governs our province!
That’s my two-cents on voting and the election! What’s yours?
