More

#WhyIVote: Canadians Explain Why They Participate In Elections On Facebook And Twitter

Whyivote Canada

The Huffington Post Canada   First Posted: 10/04/11 12:11 PM ET Updated: 10/06/11 05:56 PM ET

Amazing
 Inspiring
 Funny
 Scary
 Hot
 Crazy
 Important
 Weird

During a month featuring elections in four provinces and one territory, The Huffington Post is asking Canadians why they vote.

Some argue voting is a privilege which shouldn't be wasted when millions of people abroad are struggling to win the right to free and fair elections.

Others believe declining to vote is the only principled choice when none of the candidates on offer represent their beliefs.

Send us your reasons for voting or not voting on Facebook and Twitter (use the hashtag #whyivote) and bookmark this page so you can check back in to see if your response makes the list.

SEE FACEBOOK RESPONSES

Joe DiNardo
1 of 43
featured comment
Reply | Share
Cyanotic said on 4 Tuesday 2011 pm31 8:46 pm:
Perhaps you should reconsider parroting that old line - anyone who pays taxes in Canada has every right to complain about governments. There will never be a democratic vote in Canada as long as we have "first past the post" voting instead of "proportional representation". We are constantly told we live in the best country in the world yet condone an outdated, unfair system of voting. Let us not be sucked in by government propaganda.
Total comments: 60 | Post a Comment
1 of 43

FACEBOOK RESPONSES

Elizabeth Maria Seger: Canada and Ontario don't require much of me so I think it's my duty as a citizen of Canada and Ontario to vote in the election being held onThursday.

Sara Crawford: Because I am free to do so. My grandfather, who moved to Canada in the late 50's, refuses to vote, but continues to complain about the politicians and their actions. I very strongly believe that if you refuse to vote, for whatever reason, you waive the right to complain about the actions of those in office.

Claudia Allen: It's my right and if you don't vote you have no right to complain!

Virginia Brown-Steffler: I go to the polls because I value my right to vote.

Denise DeGraaf: I vote because I believe in our form of government. I know that every element of that government is vital to make it work at its best. I am one small part of our government and when I refuse to do my part that weakens the whole and undermines its effectiveness.

Diane Wallrich: It's a signal that no one can just assume control, that it is a permission to be granted by the people, no matter how flawed the process.

FOLLOW HUFFPOST CANADA POLITICS

Related News On Huffington Post:
 

Ontario Election: Divide Between Rural And Urban Voters Key To Tory Loss And Liberal Minority Ford Denies His Governance Hurt Ontario PCs Ontario Election: McGuinty And Harper Could Face Tough Talks Ahead After Ontario Voters Reject Tory Trifecta Ontario Election: More Women Elected To Queen's Park, Group says Tim Hudak Speech: Progressive Conservative Leader Concedes Defeat To Dalton McGuinty's Liberals Ontario Election: T-Shirt Worn By Andrea Horwath's Son Raises Eyebrows Over Band's Misogynistic Lyrics Ontario Election Results: McGuinty Wins Liberal Minority Ontario Election: Poll Worker Removed In West Toronto After Ballot Box Incident Ontario Election: Key Winners And Losers Post-Election Deal A Good Bet In Ontario Ontario Election: Dalton McGuinty's Liberals Seize Momentum Ahead Of Vote Manitoba Election: Key Issues As Voters Heads To The Polls Manitoba Election: Closest Race In More Than A Decade Expected Ontario Election: Globe And Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, Toronto Sun, Hamilton Spectator, Ottawa Citizen, Windsor Star And Sudbury Norther Life Release Endorsements
Read more from Huffington Post bloggers:
Ontario Election Debate Hub

Ontario Election Debate Hub: Hudak's 'Homophobic' Flyer: Intolerant or Informative?

Jason Lietaer (PC): There will always be some kind of allegation of hate or intolerance thrown by the grits. This time, it's homophobia. And it's nonsense. McGuinty's making sure that parents don't have any say in what kids are taught at school about these topics. We stand on the side of parents.

 
 
  • Comments
  • 60
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Comments are closed for this entry
View All
Favorites
Recency  | 
Popularity
Page: 1 2  Next ›  Last »  (2 total)
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
saskatoonie
386 Fans
01:43 AM on 10/07/2011
I vote because I can. I am reminded how lucky I am to have a vote when I see folks lining up for days on end after having walked for miles. I am also reminded how lucky I am when I see people risking their lives to vote, they still try to make their voices heard despite the IED's and gunfire!I am a fortunate person!
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
piceaglauca
The picture says it all....
294 Fans
 
09:13 PM on 10/06/2011
Voting and governing have little in common.
Permalink  |
photo
Jay from Ottawa
sovereignty sale, 1.3T OBO
352 Fans
10:18 AM on 10/06/2011
This is Canada. Rarely do we get to vote for who we want, instead we usually vote for the person most likely to defeat the person we dread.

Why do you think Dalton is currently leading ? Here's a hint, it's not because people actually want more Dalton, it's because we don't want Tim winning, and many in Ontario still aren't comfortable with a NDP premier.
Permalink  |
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
relentless63
1337 Fans
 
08:02 AM on 10/06/2011
Because I respect human rights, women’s rights, gay rights, a government that doesn’t think I need religious instruction or cultural redefining, and doesn’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining.
Permalink  |
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Gbourcier
44 Fans
06:42 AM on 10/06/2011
I personally usually vote against someone and not for someone. All politicians are crooks and I truly believe that. Why else would someone get into politics unless it's to have power and money?
The idea of politicians being in it to make positive changes for the good of the country is a fairy tale and a joke. They've proven that time and time again. Look at Obama for example.
Either way, we should all vote. Even if, like me, you need to hold your nose to do so.
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
elizlucinda
a mind is a terrible thing to waste
956 Fans
07:47 AM on 10/06/2011
I'm sorry you have such a cynical of politics. I think I have an explanation for your cynicism. voters can't take the truth.....or if a politician changes his or her mind after looking at all the circumstances, they are labelled a liar. that is hardly fair.
Permalink  |
photo
Jay from Ottawa
sovereignty sale, 1.3T OBO
352 Fans
10:32 AM on 10/06/2011
I personally believe he has every right to be cynical. Good hearted, humble and honest politicians don't make it very far in politics these days. To get to the top, you need to know how to grease palms and manipulate politics, which usually involves holding a knife to someones back and a little blackmail.

Canada has a populist problem, politicians aren't there to make tough choices to better our country, they're there to make popular decisions to stay elected (which, which is why all politicians love promising tax breaks, even at time when taxes need to be raised).

Worst part is, you never get to vote for our prime minister or our premiers, we get to vote for those who represent them, and that's a big problem. The conservative MP in my riding is Royal Galipeau, my friends dad. He's a fantastic guy, so I actually wanted him to win in my riding, but he crossed the floor over to the conservatives, so I couldn't bring myself to vote for him.
Permalink  |
Dave MacCannell
6 Fans
07:39 PM on 10/05/2011
Voting has been systematically and cooperatively contaminated in the same way economics, education, (and pretty much everything else), has: by greedy people. Poli=many tics=blood sucking parasites. Remove greed from politics and the vote should only THEN be considered our responsibility. As it is educating ourselves, (through unbiased sources if we can find them), and doing what we can to un-firetruck what so many years of politics has firetrucked up should be our objective.

Not voting is not enabling the antiquated and broken system, so it's better than voting, but it's not enough. The best way to remove the greed from politics is to remove the greedy people. Voting for people has a bad track record that only gets worse while every 4 years we allow greedy people to convince us that THIS time it will be different.

Don't let the old, dusty argument that it isn't cost effective fool you. With todays, (and tomorrow's), technology voting for IDEAS is not only possible, it's easier and cheaper.

The marchers on Wall Street have the right idea because it will take radical action to breach the firmly established, well fortified citadel of sophists we call politics and switch back to a system whereby the people actually decide things for ourselves. I think it was once called democracy.
Permalink  |
SoundsBogus
2 Fans
07:39 PM on 10/05/2011
I used to vote but ever since the IT Techs / Hackers admitted under oath that they were paid to write a program that would always fix the election, now I realize it really doesn't matter if I vote. It is already pre-determined.
Permalink  |
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
photo
viennawoods
An optimistic cynic.
363 Fans
07:21 AM on 10/06/2011
How can IT fix an election where the paper ballots are counted by hand?
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
elizlucinda
a mind is a terrible thing to waste
956 Fans
07:48 AM on 10/06/2011
you can't.
Permalink  |
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Capital Ottawa
45 Fans
04:10 PM on 10/05/2011
Democracy requires participation. Vote and you give up your voice.
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
imperator prime
liberal INTJ agnostic militant guy-on-guy's guy.
92 Fans
 
04:02 PM on 10/05/2011
I vote because I think it ought to be a citizen's duty in a democracy. Use it or lose it, people.
Permalink  |
photo
brianmouland
25 Fans
 
02:58 PM on 10/05/2011
Reading about Emily Murphy,an early Alberta feminist who fought long and hard so women could have thevote. Then I see some who do not even bother getting up off their asses to vote.So,so, sad.
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
piceaglauca
The picture says it all....
294 Fans
 
02:52 PM on 10/05/2011
Voting as a privilege or a duty is a bit out-of-date now. Retired people have nothing better to do with their time so once every four years they line up in droves in small towns throughout Canada, chat with their friends, make sure they are seen, and support that 16 year veteran, neighbour, friend, relative, good guy type. As for "no one to vote for". I think it is more like nothing to vote for.

Voting for the person has no meaning now. Voting for what the party's beliefs are maybe. The big issue is what the public wants from government and what they are getting. People don't vote because there is no change. There is nothing coming back to them.
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
greysells2
grey cells matter
919 Fans
10:18 AM on 10/05/2011
Voting is one of the duties and obligations of being a citizen of Canada. If you live here and enjoy the benefits of being in Canada, then you vote. Non-voting is not an option.
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
piceaglauca
The picture says it all....
294 Fans
 
02:53 PM on 10/05/2011
The only thing that is mandatory still is giving you a birth certificate. All the rest is choice.
Permalink  |
photo
Jay from Ottawa
sovereignty sale, 1.3T OBO
352 Fans
10:38 AM on 10/06/2011
Personally I haven't missed an election in a long while, but I know many who seriously don't like any of the choices available to them, and make that known by not voting.

If ther was an option on the ballot that said "I am throwing my vote away because I don't like my choices" then I wouldn't be surprised to see the number of people voting go up by a large margin.
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
elizlucinda
a mind is a terrible thing to waste
956 Fans
06:44 AM on 10/05/2011
If you cann't take the time to go to the polls and exercise your Democratic rights, you have no right to complain.
Permalink  |
Pedestrian
51 Fans
09:16 AM on 10/05/2011
Sorry, but throwing a paper in a box every 4 years was never "democracy". The city's biggest builder has shut down our driveway because of a condo they are building and our complaints, letters, petitions, etc have gone no where ... now THAT is LACK of democracy and corruption.
Permalink  |
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
photo
1canview
1092 Fans
02:45 PM on 10/05/2011
What you said. So true!
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Whistlejackett
Hey stop doing that
977 Fans
 
03:28 AM on 10/05/2011
If you are a Canadian, there is no excuse to not vote. We are a number one country, and that takes a lot of effort, so vote to keep it this way. We could lose a lot more.
Permalink  |
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
photo
waldopepper
I'd tell you all about me if you were my friend.
893 Fans
03:22 AM on 10/05/2011
Because the barbarians who are infesting the Conservative party need to be stopped before they damage the nation further.
Permalink  |
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
photo
viennawoods
An optimistic cynic.
363 Fans
07:27 AM on 10/05/2011
Fanned and faved!
Permalink  |
dresdengirl
2594 Fans
08:34 AM on 10/05/2011
Exactly, the fanatics will always vote.
Permalink  |
Page: 1 2  Next ›  Last »  (2 total)