A few weeks ago, I received a very important piece of mail. It was Elections BC cordially inviting me to register as an early voter, so that when my 18th birthday rolls around in a couple of years, I can vote hassle-free. Needless to say, I am taking full advantage of this opportunity.
Holding that letter felt surprisingly meaningful. It was more than a bureaucratic reminder; it was an invitation to the greatest responsibility of any citizen in a democracy.
To me, voting is a profound experience. Every time my parents have voted, they have taken me along. In elementary school gymnasiums and community centres, I have borne witness to democracy in its purest. From a very young age, I have held the ideal that voting is not just a right, but a responsibility. We are lucky enough to live in a free and democratic country, so we must actively participate in it. It is a privilege to do so.
In a time when authoritarianism is becoming ever more prevalent in our world, the need to protect democratic institutions is only growing.
The best way to do this is simply to vote. To be active participants in your community and your country. It is apathy, more than hatred or violence, that poses the greatest threat to modern democracy.
This message is especially resonant for us now, as B.C. will decide on a new provincial government in just over a month.
Every election is important, and this is no exception. This election will decide the fate of B.C.’s healthcare system, housing crisis, and approach to the climate emergency, amongst other things, large and small.
To current and future voters, I encourage you to put in your research. Look into all the parties, and vote for whichever party best matches your viewpoint and your vision for an ideal British Columbia. And if you have the time and the ability, I encourage you to volunteer for the campaign of your local MLA candidate. Your actions really can make a difference.
Even if, like me, you're too young to vote, volunteering for your local candidate’s campaign is an excellent way to make your voice heard and have an impact on the future of your province.
In politics, it’s easy to get dragged down in discord and conflict, and we, unfortunately, see too much of that today. The arguments should be about the issues, not about each other. Young people are sick of watching politicians try to go viral and serve their ego instead of working for their constituents.
The people of British Columbia will disagree on many things, but there is always more uniting us than dividing us. Whichever party we align ourselves with, we all do so with the goal of making our beautiful province a better place to live, and I think that’s something worth celebrating.
So, for those who are old enough: when you vote for your candidate on Oct. 19, revel in the joy and the power of what you are doing. By voting, you are helping to choose the direction of the province and the country. You are creating the future.
Take pride in being a British Columbian when you cast that ballot, or work on that campaign, or even when you put up a campaign sign on your lawn. Your voice matters.
I’ll be on the sidelines, impatiently waiting my turn.
