If you haven’t already noticed, the federal campaign is in full swing, and that means voting is right around the corner.
On Oct. 21, head to the polls armed with knowledge. Whether you read about each candidate’s platform in our stories and profile’s or witness them first-hand at the forum, it’s important you understand what each name on that ballot stands for.
That also means taking a bit of time to learn about each party. Sure you may be set in your ways, born and raised in a household where the same party’s sign was staked proudly into your lawn every election. That doesn’t necessarily mean another party or candidate won’t speak to your values and beliefs.
Make sure you attend the upcoming forum, you ask questions, and listen to what candidates have to say, because it could help you make up your mind as you head to the polls.
Politics may not be “your thing,” and you would rather stay as far away from the voting stations as possible come election day, but just remember the common phrase, “if you don’t vote, don’t complain.”
This is probably getting old. In fact, you’re probably tired of hearing people say “make sure you get out and vote!”
Just take a moment and think about how in the last election, over 68 per cent of eligible voters took the time to cast a ballot. That was the highest turnout Canada has seen since 1993.
That per cent, is still disappointing. That means there were roughly 32 per cent of eligible voters who chose not to or didn’t get a chance to vote.
Come on Canada.
This is what our country is all about: freedom of speech. With that comes the opportunity to choose who we want to represent and essentially run our country.
Here’s a challenge to all Canadians: let’s beat 2015’s 68 per cent. Whether that means 69 per cent show up to vote, or 100 per cent take the time, it doesn’t matter. Have your say on Oct. 21, and make sure when you do, you know what each party stands for.
