Why Do I Vote?

There is no excuse to not vote. 

I am Canadian.  It is my right to vote. 

"In Canada's early days, only a select group of privileged men could vote. Now it's a fundamental right for all Canadians over 18. Women, Asians, native people and prisoners were among those who gained the right to vote in Canadian elections over the past century — often amid controversy." - CBC - Voting in Canada:  How a Privilege Became a Right

Now, as boring as this timeline may seem to some, I find it really interesting, and I want to share it with you.  There's actually a lot of interesting information on that website!   Women have had the right to vote for almost 100 years, 1916 being the magic year that we were given the right to vote (at least in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta - and only provincially.)

So, now the question comes to mind, why do I vote?

I vote because I can.  I vote because it is my right, a right that was fought for!  I vote because if I don't vote, I don't have a right to bitch.  I vote because in other countries, people are killed over elections!  I vote because we are privilaged enough to have a democracy.  I vote because if we don't vote, what will happen?  Will our country return to it's old ways, letting only "privileged men" vote? 

I am 26 years old.  I have never missed an election.  And I never will.  Unfortunately, I think it's too late for advance polls (correct me if I'm wrong), but in future years, if you aren't able to make it out on Election Day, there are OTHER DAYS in which you can vote.  You don't have to vote on the exact day. They set up advance polling around the country for a reason.

If you find there is something wrong with your government, or nothing wrong at all, then you need to let your voice be heard!  By just sitting at home and saying, "Oh such and such is doing/will do such a shitty job", you're not being THE CHANGE. 

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Gandhi

The truth is, when you don't vote, you let someone else speak for you.  In this day and age, would you let your parents pick out your future spouse?  Would you let them pick out your clothes, the way you wear your hair, or your friends?  I know I wouldn't.  So, as much as I love my mom, I don't let her speak for me.  I speak for myself.  I vote.

And you should to.

May 2, 2011. 

Be there.

(If you don't know where to vote, click here, type in your postal code, and it will let you know where to go!)