Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The right to vote

I've lived all my life in a western democracy, and yet I've never before been eligible to vote in anything more than what amounts to local elections. Until a few years ago I lived in the island of Guernsey, a self-governing Crown dependency. Sure, we elected out own government, but with a population of 60,000 it was hardly a player on the world stage. And although many aspects of our lives were under the influence of Britain, we had no representation in Westminster.

Now, a Canadian citizen, I am able to vote for representation in a much larger community.

I just did so for the first time today, in the BC Provincial election.

It felt good.

The right to vote is important. Shame so many people don't appreciate it enough to make use of it.

6 comments:

  1. We should all vote, I agree.

    Thank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.

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  2. I voted last week. Off year elections are always low in turn out, but when I heard only 16% of registered voters came out, I was shocked. We take that right for granted.

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  3. Being able to vote is a great thing. I also agree that everyone should vote and exercise their right.

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  4. As a young adult I didn't vote but led people to believe I did. It was because I wasn't registered to vote because I didn't know where to do it. (shy) Then as time goes by, lies keep you hostage. Finally one day, I decided I couldn't keep lying about voting and registered to vote. Yikes. What a dork I am sometimes. Voting is not only a right, it is quite the privilege.

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  5. I always vote. I registered when I turned 18. My dad was an outstanding example to me. He never missed voting. He ran and won terms as a local township supervisor 3 times. When I think about not voting--because very often it feels as though it doesn't make a difference anyhow, I think of my dad.

    I'm so happy for you, Ian! I think you've made some incredibly brave life decisions in the last few years, and I'm so glad they've worked out well for you!

    I need to neb-nose around on your blog now. I can't recall if your book, Tiamat's Nest has been released--and if you're ready for reviews to be posted. :-)

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  6. I can't imagine not voting, so if people tell me they don't bother because their vote doesn't really count, my blood goes to a slow simmer. So glad to read this post. So glad you exercised your right and felt good about it.

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