I must admit I’m at a loss for words.
What can I say about voting that hasn’t been said before?
I want to write about why it is important to vote.
I want to encourage all voters, but especially the young people among us to cast their ballots.
I want people to realize that choosing our next government matters – a lot.
I want to say that whether you vote strategically, or because you support a particular ideology or political party or simply with your gut, just vote.
I want to say you should vote because many people around the world are completely denied the privilege.
I want to say you should vote because democracy might be imperfect, but it’s a far sight better than dictatorship.
I want to say you should vote because there are many who will wait in lines for hours in blinding sun or torrential rain or freezing cold to cast their ballot, but you can cast your ballot in mere minutes out of your day. The worst challenge you might face is walking a few feet to the door. If it’s raining you might get damp. If that’s the case, maybe bring an umbrella, but don’t be deterred – vote.
I want to say vote because many millions of people are not blessed with the choices and prosperity that Canadians have.
I want to say vote because it is one of the freedoms fought and died for in two horrific world wars. Honour our veterans on Remembrance Day, absolutely, but honour them as well on Oct. 19 by showing up in the voting booth and marking an X beside the candidate of your choice.
I want to say that you should vote, especially if you are a woman, because for many years you were considered property, not a person, and that the right for woman to vote was hard-won by generations of determined women before you.
I want to tell you to vote because the economy and taxes might sound boring to some, but no matter who you are, they affect the quality of your life directly.
I want to say vote because your voice does count, but only if you use the opportunity you have been given to share your opinion on how our country is run.
I want to say vote, if only so you have a valid reason to complain about our next government, because you did your job in electing who will make up this country’s House of Commons.
I want to even say, vote, if only to get a bit of time off work, because your employer has to grant you voting time.
I want to say that no matter what the polls tell us, the only poll that really counts is the one that happens on election day, and that outcome depends on casting a ballot.
I want to say that if you are already voting, bring a friend who might not otherwise vote.
Maybe I wasn’t at a loss for words after all.
Just vote.