ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Me: “Hi, can you do me a favour?”
You: “Errr … I don’t know you that well, so maybe. What do you need?”
Me: “I need you to vote.”
You: “Oh, I don’t know. I’ve got a lot on today. Work, carting kids around after work. And we had such a busy weekend, we’re hoping to have a family meal tonight…”
Me: “I understand. We’re all living a hectic pace these days. But sometime before 8:30 p.m. tonight, can’t you just cut out some time to vote? I’m not trying to nag. It’s just that voting is important. Your chance to help decide Canada’s future. And it's once every four years."
You: “I know that and feel guilty about not doing it today, but I just don’t think I can find the time.”
Me: “The polling station is just a short walk, and an even shorter drive, from where you live. Go there on your lunch break or way home from work, or while you're carting the kids to hockey this evening. You would certainly set a great example for them. Again, you’ve got until 8:30.”
You: “I could, but I don’t know enough to make an informed decision. I’ve been paying a bit of attention to it, but there’s just been so much noise and nastiness. I watched a few minutes of the debate a couple of weeks ago and was rotted about the behaviour. It’s left a bad taste in my mouth.”
Me: “I hear ya. Today’s politics is certainly lacking in the respect department. But don’t let that get to you. Don’t allow their attitudes to deter you from exercising your power and right to vote. As for making an informed decision, pick the most important issues to you and your family and do a little research.”
You: “I don’t have time to do that.”
Me: “Not trying to be nosey, but will you use Facebook today?”
You: “Not your concern or business, but yes.”
Me: “How much will you check Facebook?”
You: “Maybe a few minutes every hour.”
Me: “Well, how about using that time instead to see where the leaders stand on the issues that matter to you and your family?”
You: “Geez, you’re pushing this voting thing, aren’t ya.”
Me: “Yup, it’s crucial. We live in a democracy and get to choose the party we think will provide the best direction for the country. It’s better to have your say at the polls than to complain about who got in for four years.”
You: “But my one vote is not going to count.”
Me. “Every vote counts. Whether or not the candidate or party you support wins, your ballot is a statement on who and what you support. Canada needs as many people marking an X to state their support as possible. That way, the government elected is a true reflection of people’s interests. And with polls and pundits predicting a minority government, every vote is carrying some weight. So, can you do me a favour and vote today?”
Steve Bartlett is SaltWire Network’s senior managing editor. He suggests visiting the Inform The Vote section of saltwire.com for those doing some last-minute research before voting. Reach him at [email protected].
