Having worked long 13 hour days for Elections Canada at polling stations, I've had a front row seat to democracy for the past few elections.
Canadian citizen? 18 years of age or older? Driver's license, photo ID or government issued ID and official document or utility bill or even your renter's lease with current address? That's all you need to vote.
You can proceed to the polling station and cast your ballot. It's that simple, yet a near-myth in many countries around the world where threats of who to vote for are issued and democracy slowly spreads.
While I'm legally sworn to to not share any details that would disclose anyone's privacy, I had lots of time to observe. Makes you feel all patriotic seeing a vote in action.
From trades-workers to moms with little'uns in tow. Punks with mo-hawks and chain wallets to business-people in suits and blue-tooth head-sets. Cyclists in spandex and helmets, eccentrically dressed hippies, old couples in matching jackets or hats. First timers to proudly voting at elections for decades. Reluctant, rushed, excited, bitter, optimistic, confused. It was quite the wide spectrum of who is interested in voting.
From people's comments, there seemed to be different types of voters -- ranging from first timers to newly sworn in immigrants to cynical older experiences.
From questions about voting from those who recently turned 18, it was neat to be able to explain it to them. Although some weren't sure what was the point of even voting, some of them were actually pretty excited to excise their right to vote. Their parents were trying to be good examples and proud their children being responsible.
Others had become citizens recently were much more quiet but just as excited and appreciative from the shy grins on their faces. At first they still asked hesitantly if they were allowed to vote. Their eyes seemed to give it away of how appreciative they with becoming a Canadian citizen and registering to be on the national elector's list.
The older voters who either see it as a faint hope that their vote will impact anything; or who have seen many other leaders and competitions amount to corrupt scandal or great progressive results. Those citizens come with mixed hope and sense of duty, no matter how few politicians are worth voting for in their opinion.
Yet there was over 60% voter turn-out opposed to down to 40-50% in the past few elections. As was said by all leaders, both elected and un-seated, the people had spoken. Citizens want stability and a majority government will help with that over the next few years.
As an exercise of democracy, Canadians still showing examples of peace and order where elsewhere in the world, rebels must fight to change government. Hopefully they can win the day and install a better way of governing.
--PLR--
Canadian citizen? 18 years of age or older? Driver's license, photo ID or government issued ID and official document or utility bill or even your renter's lease with current address? That's all you need to vote.
You can proceed to the polling station and cast your ballot. It's that simple, yet a near-myth in many countries around the world where threats of who to vote for are issued and democracy slowly spreads.
While I'm legally sworn to to not share any details that would disclose anyone's privacy, I had lots of time to observe. Makes you feel all patriotic seeing a vote in action.
From trades-workers to moms with little'uns in tow. Punks with mo-hawks and chain wallets to business-people in suits and blue-tooth head-sets. Cyclists in spandex and helmets, eccentrically dressed hippies, old couples in matching jackets or hats. First timers to proudly voting at elections for decades. Reluctant, rushed, excited, bitter, optimistic, confused. It was quite the wide spectrum of who is interested in voting.
From people's comments, there seemed to be different types of voters -- ranging from first timers to newly sworn in immigrants to cynical older experiences.
From questions about voting from those who recently turned 18, it was neat to be able to explain it to them. Although some weren't sure what was the point of even voting, some of them were actually pretty excited to excise their right to vote. Their parents were trying to be good examples and proud their children being responsible.
Others had become citizens recently were much more quiet but just as excited and appreciative from the shy grins on their faces. At first they still asked hesitantly if they were allowed to vote. Their eyes seemed to give it away of how appreciative they with becoming a Canadian citizen and registering to be on the national elector's list.
The older voters who either see it as a faint hope that their vote will impact anything; or who have seen many other leaders and competitions amount to corrupt scandal or great progressive results. Those citizens come with mixed hope and sense of duty, no matter how few politicians are worth voting for in their opinion.
Yet there was over 60% voter turn-out opposed to down to 40-50% in the past few elections. As was said by all leaders, both elected and un-seated, the people had spoken. Citizens want stability and a majority government will help with that over the next few years.
As an exercise of democracy, Canadians still showing examples of peace and order where elsewhere in the world, rebels must fight to change government. Hopefully they can win the day and install a better way of governing.
--PLR--
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