I‘ve just finished watching the news and there was yet another story on the apathy of young voters with regard to the election Monday.
The ironic thing is the young people interviewed for the story seemed very passionate about various issues such as education and health care. Yet they shrugged off the option of voting with a general response of “I don’t know enough to vote,” or “They don’t care about my vote.” How sad. I want to tell the young voters (and I’m only in my early 40s so I don’t feel like an old voter), that their votes really do matter and this country really does care if they vote or not. I care.
Think about what has happened this year in Egypt, Tunisia and other places in the Middle East where people have been, and are still, fighting their governments for the kind of democratic rights we enjoy here in Canada. Those people are risking jail, injury and even death for what so many of us take for granted. Please reconsider and get out to vote Monday.
With regard to people feeling like they don’t know enough about the issues to vote, it has never been easier to become informed. We live in an amazing age of technology and all you need to do is type in a search of the political parties running in your riding and you will find the info you need to make an informed decision. Many, if not all, even have Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. You will find what you are looking for to make your choice.
You must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old to vote, and you must prove your identity and address when you vote. If you are unsure of where to go May 2, check www.elections.ca for information or to contact someone. I got this info from my voter information card.
I do not come from a passionately political family, but I have voted in every election since I was of legal age with the exception of one time. I had moved and started a new job and could not find my polling station. It was totally my fault. It will not happen again.
Vote as if your life depended on it. Value your ability to make your voice heard. Every vote counts. Those who are elected to political office do make the decisions that affect the lives of all Canadians at some point.
Please make the effort on behalf of the Canada you wish to live in.
Jennifer Greenwood
Vernon
