In a few short weeks Ontarians over the age of 18 will have the opportunity to vote in our municipal elections. The sad fact is that many will not exercise this right. I have always wondered why. To be able to vote is to give your opinions a voice. Voting is your chance to help shape the future of your community, while improving it’s present.
I feel that voting is important for many reasons, not the least of which is making a contribution to our community. With so many issues at stake, from the efficient functioning of our hospitals and neighborhood centers to the upkeep of our infrastructure and the smooth integration of new Canadians into our communities, we have a responsibility to be informed and provide support to our neighbors. There are many great resources available to help every citizen navigate through the sea of information we are faced with at election time. We can not use the excuse of “I didn’t know..” when there are websites, televised debates and newspaper articles full of information for voters to glean.
CAASCO (South Central Ontario) has created a great online resource to help you and I navigate the complexities of the upcoming municipal election on October 27th, 2014 called Community Action. This election is your opportunity to help choose who becomes your city’s mayor or who is your school trustee, but that kind of responsibility brings up a lot of questions. CAA has a vested interest in helping answer those questions and has made the Community Action page available to all who need it.
Voting in the municipal elections is everyone’s responsibility, but the onus is on each individual to be prepared. Do you know who your candidates are and what they stand for? Do you even know what municipality you can vote in (check out voterlookup.ca)? Do you know the hot button issues that this next election has brought to light? I can guarantee that you, your family and your neighbors will all be affected by the outcome of this election. Isn’t that reason enough to get out and vote on October 27th, 2014? CAA’s comprehensive site, Community Action will help you answer these questions and many more.
When I was younger I often felt that my one vote did not count for much so why bother spending time getting to know the issues. It took the influence of a dedicated, hardworking lady to show me that my opinion, my voice, my vote did matter. At roughly the age of 80 years young my husband’s grandmother, a steadfast believer in the importance of voting, learned that her riding lacked a candidate for her party. This amazing lady took it upon herself to campaign and run for office herself! It was while passing out pamphlets and putting up campaign signs that I saw where we, as citizens, have the power to shape our destiny and that of our cities and towns.
Fast forward almost fifteen years and this great lady is still supporting her candidates, her community and her country by voting in every election as an informed voter. Her example has affected several generations and spurred us on to vote and let our voices be heard. Will you be adding your voice during the October 27th Ontario Municipal Election?
To stay up to date with new election news, blog posts and tips check out CAASCO on Facebook and Twitter @caasco.
FT&PD
Suz
Disclosure: All opinions in this post belong to me, MapleMouseMama and not CAASCO.
Great “Post” Suzanne. Yes, I will be voting in this up coming election.
Thanks Mom <3
It is so important to vote, its the only way you get your voice heard.
Glad you agree Chantal, it is vital!
Voting is so important to me. In fact, in Montreal we have a School Board Election coming up in November, and I KNOW that is not high on most peoples’ priorities, but I’m trying to learn about the candidates and will for sure cast my ballot.
That is great to get involved in the school board! I believe we can bring about good change..
wow, what an amazing lady she must have been! a great example to many to get involved and get voting!
Yup Jennifer and she still is! Almost 95 and still going strong!
It is so important to vote. There are many others in the world who do not get this civil right.
I feel strongly about it. If you don’t vote, you can’t bitch 😉
Maybe I should have censored that. Sorry if it’s inappropriate for your blog.
No worries Randa, none at all. You are totally right!
LOL, so true Randa, so true!
Voting is a right many do not take advantage of and should. It helps influence our community
Yes, they definitely should Kim!
in my county, Philippines, I’m in the right age to vote but don’t exercise my right too because of the hassle of registration especially during the time of elections. Just so you know, our government is very corrupt. Most of the politicians being elected are corrupt and most of the elections are controlled by them. And it’s the main reason why I don’t vote.
I don’t want to waste my time falling in line for hours for both the registration & election only to find out that the person who will be elected is the corrupt one.
But at the beginning of your post when you explained the rights, I must admit it helped me reflect on it.
Your country’s situation would make it very hard to think of voting as having a positive outcome Louse. I can totally understand your position.
I also believe that elections are important events and our duty as members of our community and country. May the best candidates win! – Fred
Good outlook and thanks Fred!
I hope the younger generation get to use their right to vote wisely. I also hope that they learn to appreciate on how their vote affects their future.
That is one of the most important messages we can hope to spread Franc.
Vote for the person whom you think will serve you or your beliefs best! Make your voices heard! Go Suzanne!
LOL, thanks Tiffany! The good guy, or gal in this case, won!
It’s everyone’s right. I wish people will vote. You know what? I don’t understand why those who don’t exercise their right to vote are the ones whose voices are louder for complaints sometimes. Just my two cents.
It is so true though John, they are the loudest complainers, LOL
I have already voted because I am working as a DRO during the election. I love the whole political process.
That is awesome Margarita!
Voting is really important as every citizen has the right to make a change for the future. Everyone must be aware and informed to make the right choice. Ignorance is not an excuse.
I totally agree!
This made me think about doing my patriotic duty to my country by placing my vote on the upcoming elections. Although my vote is just one small voice, this small voice still can be heard and my small voice can help make a difference. 🙂
Every voice counts and will make a difference!
I read this on my friend’s FB: Bad politicians are elected by good people who don’t vote. Voting is right that we take for granted now. We might have forgotten that centuries ago, not everyone is given the right the vote. -katrina centeno
Excellent quote Katrina and so very true!
I am 19 years old now and a first time voter. For me, Everyone must be wise in voting. So that the one to be elected is deserving, for a better change.
Such an awesome opportunity for you Chelsi and responsibility. Choose wisely when it comes to your turn..
Our Lok Sabha elections just got over and we got a very decent voter turnout. Hope Ontario gets get a good turn out too. It was really great of you to put up this post 🙂
That is great news for your community and thanks for your support!
Vote wisely guys. Vote! It is your right to choose the right people.
So true..
Great posting! I agree on you~~ Vote is really important. Don’t waste the chance if you can vote. I have friends who always say bad on the government but when asking them to vote, they said they are busy, cannot make it due to…… Don’t complain unless you have done your part to vote!
Well said!
I don’t usually follow any politics. As long the person shows that he delivers I will vote for them. I always think campaigning is just all talk and no action. Guess I read too much of American politics already.
Cheers~
Pingerrain*Priscilla
http://www.pingerrain.com
LOL, maybe Priscilla, but we can’t make a difference if we don’t try..
It’s interesting, is it not, that sometimes, we who get to exercise votes treat that right so lightly. When others in the world would fight to have that right. Good post Suzanne.
Best,
Ling Tan
http://Www.kidsonboard.net
Thank you Ling 🙂
Voting is an important right for every citizen! Don’t give up in the fight!
Amen!