Let your beliefs guide your vote at the polls
By Annette Gagliano, Youth Speak News
On May 2, Canadians will head to the polls to vote in Canada’s 41st general election. This will be my first time voting in a federal election and I plan on making the most out of this experience. I will be actively involved in the election process as a poll clerk in my riding — assisting in the polling and in the tallying of the votes. And I will definitely be filling out a ballot. But, for a growing number of young Canadians, exercising their duty to vote is no longer a priority.
As Catholic youth in a society where secularism tends to dominate, it is of utmost importance that we participate in elections and ensure we cast our ballots.
Data from the College Student Alliance’s web site “It’s Your Vote,” a site created to encourage students to vote, says that since the 1960s young voter turnout has been declining — and at a significant rate. In the last federal election in 2008, only 37.4 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds voted. Moreover, since a significant number of young people do not bother to vote, politicians may be inclined to not include issues that are pertinent to youth because of that demographic’s apathy when it comes to voting.
When deciding on who to vote for, choose your candidate and party carefully. Do not simply vote for a party because your parents favour that particular party and do not vote for a candidate because their name sounds “cool.” As Catholics, we should lean towards party platforms that coincide with our religious values and beliefs. Support parties that abide by the teachings of our Catholic beliefs and traditions.
And don’t forget to do your homework. Research political party platforms and find out what issues are on the agenda of the candidates in your electoral district and whether or not these issues are pertinent to you. Most importantly, as Catholics, it is necessary to ensure that the values and beliefs of the candidates and their respective parties coincide with Church views. Voting is all about voicing what we believe in. So, we should keep in mind the issues that define our faith, such as life issues along with promoting peace among Catholics and between other religions.
Every election is important because the ultimate decision of who will be the next leader lies solely in the hands of the voters.
As young people, we represent the future of the Canadian democratic working-class. We are the future of our country and, simply put, this makes it our duty to vote in elections. Democracy can be literally translated as “rule by the people” and voting is one key aspect of fulfilling this requirement and ensuring that our voices be heard.
So if you are 18 or older, do not forget to exercise your privilege to vote on May 2, ensuring that your vote will reflect the values and beliefs of Catholicism.
And, while you’re at it, be sure to encourage friends and family to do the same.
(Gagliano, 20, is a life sciences student at the University of Toronto.)
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