It’s finally October 19th, and after Canada’s most expensive, and longest (since 1872), election campaign in history, I know I’m definitely ready to vote.
By now, I’m sure some information about our opposing political parties, and their stances on current Canadian issues, has reached your ears, and you know who you support. Hopefully that is enough to get you down to the polling stations, but if you’re still on the fence about making the time to mark your ballot today, here is a list of 4 reasons why you should.
Not everyone has the right to vote
First of all, not all countries are democratic. We Canadians have the privilege to decide who leads our country, whereas millions of people are lead by pseudo-democratic leaders, absolute monarchs, militants, and dictators. They are born and raised in countries that don’t give them the right to decide what is best for them and their future generations. We, on the other hand, don’t have to give it a second thought, but today, I want you to.
Every vote matters
If you have seen or heard anything about this year’s election, you know that it has been a tight race. For the majority of the time, it has been a three-way race between the Conservatives, Liberals, and NDP. That being said, the most recent polls show a shift in this neck and neck (and neck) race, but let’s not place too much faith in these projections. In the end, now, more than ever, your vote counts! You could be the deciding factor in who gets to lead our country. You may think that you are only one vote, but if everyone thought like that, we wouldn’t have anyone show up.
There is no time like the present, and the future
Do you ever think about how much your life, and the world for that matter, has changed in the last four years? Now, think about how they are sure to change in the upcoming four years. A lot, right? Well now think about the fact that you have a little say in that! That is huge, considering life rarely lets you pick the cards you are dealt. Major decisions on topics such as healthcare, education, immigration, the economy, and the environment are going to take place, and as that affects you, you should probably voice your opinions today!
Break the stereotype
As I presume the majority of this audience falls between the ages 18 and 34, this is directed towards you. We as a generation are considered politically apathetic. We, supposedly, don’t care about politics or how our country is governed, and are unlikely to show up to cast our votes. Considering that we are the most likely to live long enough to see the long-term consequences of this election, we should probably prove everyone that they are wrong on this one, right?
Anyways, you may feel like you don’t have the time or energy to get out to your designated polling station after school or work today, but just remember that in the end, you are voting for yourself.
