As we are all aware, October 19th, 2015 is Election day in Canada. Despite the importance of this day, it is all too easy to push it to the bottom of our 'To-Do list' and think, "My vote won't make any difference," or "I know that my candidate has enough votes to win." Ask yourself, "What matters to me?" How will the results of the upcoming Federal Election affect MY life? Child care, raising taxes, the niqab & burka, Bill C51, Bill C24, the economy, legalizing marijuana. The election trail has been blazed with negative memes of each party, attacking others, 'fear & smear', immigration & security, illumination of scandal and so much more. Some are afraid to have a voice in this election, hiding behind their thoughts with fear of ridicule from their family, friends or co-workers. Some speak out and talk about what they want, and are determined to make a point, regardless who agrees or disagrees. Politics divide people, but the reality is that regardless of what you believe, it does NOT mean that your closest friends or family believe the same and each person is entitled to their own opinion and belief system.
During the past few weeks, I have heard or read through my social media feeds, "I don't know who to vote for, I am so divided this time" or "I don't care who I vote for, anyone but Harper or Mulcair or Trudeau." The reality is that if you are asking yourself these questions or you are torn, then you need to take some time and determine what party best represents your beliefs. Figure out what matters to YOU. Who do you believe will best represent your interests and is best suited to run the country. In saying this, you should not expect to agree with ALL of the beliefs of the party that you feel best represents you. I am quite sure of my political viewpoint, however, that does not mean that I have all of the same ideals as the party that I will be voting for on October 19th, 2015; I do, however, believe that one specific party best represents me and, in my opinion, would best represent Canada.
Voting is a Right, one of the most precious rights, yet it is a right that many Canadians take for granted. It is unfortunate that so many people vote blindly and more unfortunate that so many people do not exercise their Right to Vote. You don't have to risk your life to participate in making a change, so speak up. Believe it or not, there are at still countries that do not offer the right to vote to some groups, women, and members of armed forces, and on the contrary there are 26 countries in the world that make voting compulsory. I, for one, will be voting this election and I hope, that if you are eligible to vote, then you will exercise that right. We should all jump at the privilege of being able to vote for whomever we believe will be the best leader for our great nation.
Find your election riding and polling stationPledge to vote in the upcoming Canadian Federal Election on Oct. 19, 2015. (And share your pledge with your social media contacts by using Rick Mercer's 'VoteNation' selfie icon.)
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