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The Definitive List of Voting Dos and Don'ts

Without sounding obvious, it all starts and stops with you. Your behaviour does impact what will happen. How you choose to discuss issues with others does have influence. How you choose to collect information to inform your decision does inspire the end result. And in the end, it does come down to this. Choose to vote and something will happen. Choose not to vote and something different will happen.
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Voters waiting in line at polling place
Jupiterimages via Getty Images
Voters waiting in line at polling place

There is an election happening, have you heard?

If advance poll numbers are any indication, Canadians are engaged like never before in recent memory and are coming out in big numbers.

Cafe chatter, cooler talk and dinner conversations are all infused with that same question: "What will Canada wake up to on October 20?"

Canadians of all ages, nationalities and religious beliefs are questioning what is the best direction for our country.

In the interest of wanting to make you look good and be informed, we have come up with some dos and don'ts to consider over the next week when on October 19 will be your last chance to vote.

Since this is the 42nd election in our history, here are 42 things to ponder.

DON'T DO THIS

1.Tell someone under the age of 25 that they don't have smarts to make an educated vote.

2.Don't vote.

3.Deface election signs with your image and phone number with the messaging, "No politics. Just good times."

4.Don't vote.

5.Offer to be someone's voting date and then cancel because you have the sniffles.

6.Don't vote.

7.Be lazy and don't read party platforms before you vote.

8.Don't vote.

9.Share erroneous information that you don't fact check first.

10.Don't vote.

11.Believe that maintaining the status quo is better than being better.

12.Don't vote.

13.Vote based on your individual desires before thinking of the greater good.

14.Don't vote.

15.Laugh and belittle someone who offers a different opinion on an election issue.

16.Don't vote.

17.Buy cases of Orange Crush and leave empty crushed cans all over the street.

18.Don't vote.

19.Think that you have nothing in common with someone who lives in a small town in Newfoundland or B.C.

20.Don't vote.

21.Think that Canadians under the age of 45 need to have more "life years" to understand the world.

DO THIS

1.Vote.

2.Believe that every vote does count and makes a statement.

3.Vote.

4.Point youth who are of age to information sources that will help them to make their own decisions.

5.Vote.

6.Truly think on what leader can help all Canadians and has the plan and people to make it happen.

7.Vote.

8.Offer to buy a coffee or tea for the people in line with you at polls.

9.Vote.

10.Celebrate your vote with friends you just went to the polls with.

11.Vote.

12.Offer someone a ride to the polls.

13.Vote.

14.Realize your vote will have short- and long-term implications for your life and all Canadians.

15.Vote.

16.Sing "O, Canada" on the streetcar on your way to the polls and encourage everyone to join in.

17.Vote.

18.Tell everyone you voted and be proud.

19.Vote.

20.Remember that voting is a privilege and not a right, with many in the world not having this opportunity.

21.Vote.

And we will throw in one more as our favourite "to do" recommendation:

Make a date with your special someone and tell them to meet you at the polls. Surprise them with some stunning red roses. Red is so in these days. Get down on one knee and propose. Invite everyone at polling station to celebrate with you after.

Without sounding obvious, it all starts and stops with you.

Your behaviour does impact what will happen. How you choose to discuss issues with others does have influence. How you choose to collect information to inform your decision does inspire the end result.

And in the end, it does come down to this.

Choose to vote and something will happen.

Choose not to vote and something different will happen.

Up to you.

Here's to a bright sunny day on October 20 filled with hope, promise and opportunity for all.

A Canada on track to be better. Dare to dream.

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