We had a federal election yesterday in Canada, and I dutifully trudged over to my local polling station to cast my vote.
The only mercy in Canada is that we don’t have to listen to the candidates for very long – this election was called at the beginning of September and we voted October 14. Six weeks of their nonsense, no more and no less. I can’t imagine how all of you in America put up with it for so long – from the leadership races to the primaries to the actual election itself, it seems as if America is thinking about voting for more than half of the time.
Do you vote? My father always says that if you don’t vote, you can’t complain – I vote, if only to preserve my right to complain! OTOH, there was nothing very inspiring about any of the candidates for me this year, either locally or federally. I didn’t think any of them would do a particularly good job – or that they cared about much more than lining their own pocket. That leaves a bit to be desired in the democracy department.
So, do you vote and exercise your right to participate in a democracy? Or do you think it’s a waste of time?
Deborah Cooke: Author 
3 responses to “Do You Vote?”
I did vote yesterday! I sometimes wonder if it actually does anything, but I believe the same thing your dad says – I want my freedom to complain! 😀
Natasha A.
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Over the border to the south, I have to say it’s been the most interesting presidential race I can remember, maybe because there is such a mix of characters on the ballots.
We’ve lived in our district for almost nine years, but my husband never felt inspired to register to vote. He did so last week, on the very last day possible. There’s something about this election that makes you feel your vote might actually have an impact.
I’m voting. So is DH.
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I most DEFINITELY vote, even when it seems pointless. Too many people, women and men, suffered and died fighting for universal suffrage for me to throw away that hard-won right to vote.
Was I happy about another $300 million of our tax dollars being spent on six weeks of talking? Nope, but nor would I have dreamed of just not showing up to cast a ballot and mark and x for the candidate/party I felt would be best for our riding (where, at least, our turnout was higher than the average).
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