In Canada we cast our vote for the candidates in our federal riding. Voting in a federal election can be a daunting task. Ultimately, the candidates who earn the majority of the votes in their ridings will be the ones to represent that particular riding in Parliament, even if their party leader doesn’t win.
Do you vote for the party whose values align with yours; for your member of Parliament, who will ultimately represent your ridings’ concerns; or do you vote for the person at the helm, the party leader who you may or may not think is the right choice? It’s a tough call for a lot of people and unfortunately many Canadians don’t know what to do or feel like their vote won’t count, so they don’t bother casting a ballot.
How you choose to decide is up to you. It’s best to educate yourself and make your own decision. Taking the time to inform yourself and vote can make a difference. Most importantly, voting is a benefit of being Canadian.
Compared to the past, it’s easier than ever to research candidates, parties, and platforms thanks to the Internet and online writing that breaks it all down for you. You don’t have to have a poly-sci degree to understand what’s happening.
Each of the parties who have leader candidates also have a website that allows voters to research more about the campaign promises being made, who the candidates are in their riding, and information on past federal decisions that they have helped support.
Not only is it simple to do your research, it’s also easy and convenient to vote, with polling stations within walking distance from your place.
There are a lot of opportunities for residents to exercise their right to vote in the federal election. You can vote in person, in advance if you can’t get out on the official election day, by mail, or at an Elections Canada office during the voting period.
It is important that every eligible voter in Canada gets the chance to vote. As Canadians, we have a lot to be grateful for in our country, and one of the reasons that we should vote is to stay connected.
The more people who exercise their right to vote are helping the whole country get a little closer to building a place that works for every one of us, no matter who we are or where we come from.
By voting, we are using our experience and wisdom to maintain one of the best democratic countries in the world. If we refuse to engage with the political process by voting, then we’ve just given our voice away. Your opinion matters and your opinion counts.
