By Alice Donoghue

 At seventeen years old, I toe the line between youth and adult in many areas of life.

 I work, but I also rely on my mother to cook dinner. I can drive a car, but I can’t complete my income tax form.

Soon, however, I will be able to participate in one of the defining acts of our country, one that embodies maturity and responsibility. This is voting, which seems to have lost priority in the minds of Canadian citizens. An all-time low voter count recently recorded for our federal elections shows that Canadians have no concern over who runs their nation, who represents us on a world stage and who will lead Canada through the economic recession.

 When asked, the majority of grade 12 students in university level classes said that they are planning to vote when they come of age. This novel privilege is exciting to a young adult, a reflection of their independence and freedom of choice. Perhaps for the older generation, voting has lost its draw due to lack of time, interest or information.

 Liz Waterman of SDSS provided her commentary on the dismal voter turnout. “The election was pointless, everyone knew the Conservatives would win. It was a waste of time and money.” Would the results have changed if more people had cast their vote? “The Green Party might have gotten more seats, but the Conservatives would still have won.”

She finds it unfortunate that so many are squandering their opportunity to affect change. “It’s sad. If you don’t vote, you don’t have a right to complain about what goes on in government. In the US election everyone will vote, but in Canada it seems unimportant.”

 Liz, just 18 years old, did herself. When asked why she chose to, she replied, “I think it’s important to vote; everyone should. People in communist countries would give anything to vote, just once. We don’t know how good we have it.”

 Liz’s last comment raises the point of Canada’s democratic system, which we have apparently come to take for granted. While people find it perfectly acceptable to criticize countries such as China in which the people’s opinions have little value, most Canadians deny themselves their own voice in determining which party comes to power. The candidates may not be charismatic or glamorous, but they do have considerable influence as to how you and I live our lives, and it seems wise to support the candidate who has the best ideas and is most deserving of trust.

 Part of citizenship is participation in Canada’s democratic system. While one can find infinite things about which to complain if enough effort is exerted, the reality is that Canada is quite unique in the security granted to those living here. It is much easier to live in health, safety and contentment than in many other countries.

I emphasize the words Canada and citizen in the hope that it will be recognized we are all a part of something much greater than our individual microcosms, something in which we should take pride and be concerned for. One of the best ways to display that pride and voice that concern is to vote. Across Canada it unites and empowers us.

The next time this opportunity comes, seize it. Don’t allow democracy to pass you by.

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