It has become a redundant mantra during every lead-up to any election.
Whether it is federal, provincial or municipal, the tune remains the same – there is a pathetically small amount of eligible voters who actually take 15 minutes out of their day to place an ‘X’ or two on a ballot.
Personally, I believe that if you don’t vote, you really have no right to complain about the current situation or various issues.
Politics can be boring, deemed stuffy due to current public figures, but it is everywhere.
From larger issues on childcare, education and unemployment to small ticket art galleries, sports teams and community clubs.
Everything trickles down the ladder from the head honcho over every organization, politically or otherwise.
We’re slowly turning into a country where half of the public is happy with complacency, and the other half turn into protesters (that often don’t care to vote in the first place).
The Occupy movement, for example, was a brilliant idea until a small number of folks decided take the experience from peaceful to a mini riot in Vancouver and Toronto.
In developing countries, such as areas in Africa, citizens walk for days to line up just to have a single opportunity to change dire circumstances.
Once upon a time, Canada was such a country.
Politicians, public figures and even parents need to reach out to the younger generation.
There needs to be active involvement engaging the young who will someday soon turn into taxpayers.
Many argue their vote is wasted. I argue of course it’s wasted if everybody believes the same.
If everybody in the world put a dollar in the jar, ignoring the simple fact that not everybody has a dollar to spare, how much money does that equate to?
Unfortunately, I am ineligible to vote in this upcoming municipal election in British Columbia, as I don’t meet all the rules.
This would be the first time I’ve missed voting since I turned 18 and quite frankly it bothers me that even as a new resident, I am unable to cast my ballot.
If you care about your community, which I know many of you do, please go out and vote on Nov. 19.
– Cassandra Chin is reporter for the Grand Forks Gazette