Don't Hate. Educate.

When it comes to politics, it can get pretty intense...So you won't hear me go on about who should vote for who based on this or that. We've recently had an election in Canada, so my topic of rant is regarding how much hate there is when talking about voting. 

For reals.

I'm about to write something that could cause readers to do one of two things:
a) not care
b) have a hate on

Ready?...I have never voted.

Silence. 

The joy of admitting that over a blog....Yes!

Here's the deal! It's not that I don't believe in voting, it's that I am not educated enough. I know people say, "vote anyways!", but they may feel differently if I voted against the party they stood for. 

I want to be able to defend my choice, not that my choice needs to be defended. Everyone votes or should vote for who will represent them the best. I know that it is my right to vote, but it's also my right to move to and take up residence in any province. I wouldn't just up and move tomorrow without thinking about where I was going to move to or how I would gain my livelihood. 

At first I blamed the schools for not teaching the basics of voting and what the parties represent. I also blamed my parents for not taking a more political stand. The thing is, you have to stop blaming so many people. It truly boils down to YOUR responsibility to learn. However, it doesn't mean that I don't think it should be openly discussed more. 

I also think that the age limit should be lowered to 16. If kids are responsible enough to drive, I think they can vote. Plus, you will always have people who don't vote. Whether they be 16 or 61. The thing is, I know 16 year olds who know more about and have stronger feelings about politics than I do. Plus, one of the topics usually up for discussion is regarding education, so shouldn't kids get a say in their future? But I digress...

This was the first year that I finally started to learn about politics and voting. I learned what the parties stood for and am finally starting to understand some of this political jargon. Hopefully by the next election I can do my part.

In saying all this, I want to remind people: Don't Hate. Educate. If there is someone you know who isn't voting, instead of giving them a hard time, talk to them about it. More then likely they are uneducated in the world of voting. Try to remain unbiased regarding the parties, tell them the steps for voting in their community, and just listen to their questions. And if they choose not to vote, remember that we are also lucky to have the freedom of choice as well. Do your part by helping out your fellow man or woman.

Be Well.