According to Elections Canada only 64.7% of eligible voters cast ballots in the 2006 general election. Thats just shy of two-thirds of registered voters.
Canadians, unlike many countries in Europe and elsewhere, have never found themselves under a military or otherwise totalitarian regime. They have never been subject to intimidation, torture, or murder based on which Political party they chose to join. They have never been the victims of mass voter fraud, or of elections invalidated by current leadership – like Mugabe in Zimbabwe.
I think this is why we’ve come to taken one of the most precious rights we have as citizens – the right to select our elected members of parliament – for granted.
Based on past election numbers, I would hardly be surprised if we again see 60-65% voter turn out. That means one-third of the population will let the rest decide who gets to run the country until the next election.
I’m quite glad I live in a country where I can disagree with people over who should run the country. I think one thing we should all agree on, however, if the fact that its our responsibility to build the government we want.
Regardless of your political affiliation, get out and vote.
- Rafael.
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