10 Reasons Why You Should Vote

by Apathy is Boring — June 26, 2007

1 – Contrary to Popular Believe Your Vote Does Count!

If one vote doesn't count, how are all those politicians getting elected?

Voting is like Napster. Napster scares the shit out of major labels because they know how much power one person has. That's why they sued a 12 year old girl.

Politicians work the same way except they can't sue you for voting. They have to start doing what you want them to.

2 - The System is Bullshit and Needs a Fixin’

Yes, the system is flawed and corrupt and that is why we care. Do you think that a bunch of old men who always get into power are suddenly going to change things?

That's not going to happen. But if we all vote they would have no choice because the people we want in would have the power to make some positive change.  So stop being apathetic and get off your butt and vote!  HA!

3 – “Doing Nothing” AKA Being Apathetic Leads to Nowhere

We don't need more people to care; we need more people to act.  Apathy doesn't change.

If you don't come out for elections, who will? Do you want your grandmother deciding whether or not to legalize pot? Over 75% of seniors vote, and fewer than 26% of 18 to 30 year olds vote.  See a problem here? – Cause I do.  Furthermore, studies show that if you don’t develop voting habits in your youth, you may never.  

4 - You Do Pay Taxes, Don't You?

Waiters pay tax.  McDonald's employees pay tax.  Everyone pays tax including you.  That goes to the government officials too.   What does the government do with this dosh? Well, they spend it on national defense, healthcare, job creation, the environment, sports, assistance for the disabled, etc.

You pay tax to them on every paycheque. Maybe you should have a say in how that money is spent!

5 – Think the Government Doesn't Affect You?  Well You’re Wrong!

The Government doesn't affect my daily life. This is true, uh, if you are dead.

•     Did you play hockey growing up?
The Federal Government is in charge of sports funding.

•     Have you gone to university or college?
That's in large part their thing as well.

•     Do you care about the environment?
That's them too.

•     How easy it is to cross the border to the States?
Also the feds.

•     Did your family immigrate here?
Also them.

•     Are you planning on starting a small business?
You'll be working closely with them.

•     Ever go on EI?
Also the Feds.

•     How about Healthcare? Ever get sick?
That's a 50/50 thing with them and the provinces.

Okay. We could go on, but you get the idea. Everything you do is affected by government.

6 – We Need More Youth Representation and Issues on the Table    

Ever heard of Pierre Elliot Trudeau?  Back in his day (70s, early 80s), the issues of the day where his government chose to focus on were the top issues affecting youth (job creation, social justice, social safety net, human rights).  Why you may ask?  The baby boomers were then the “youth” and they voted like crazy – youth averaged around 70 % voter turnout in the 1970s.  The youth then were politically active and the government listened.  

These days?  Well, as the baby-boomers head to retirement, the numbers have gone with them.  That means there are more older people then younger people and this will only get worse.  That means we have to be louder than ever at getting the message across that youth issues matter!  If we don’t act now, for the next 30 years the government will only be concerned with issues affected the elderly.  Now I love my grandma, but this country needs a future, and retirees aren’t it!

7 – Knowledge is Power

I know it sounds like a line from an after school special but it's true.  The more you know, the better equipped you will be to go where you want in life.  Knowing the political process and how to work the system is a must in any society. As the old saying goes, “if you don’t know where you are going you are going to end up someplace else”.  Have a say in your future!

8 – Voting Leads to Awareness

Voting entails being politically conscious, knowing what is going on in society.  Tired of turning on the news and not knowing what the hell they are talking about?  Voting regularly and being involved in the process will keep you informed.  Plus being able to carry a conversation on politics is a must.  Think someone is going to want to hire/marry/befriend an apathetic, clueless person?  What else are you going to talk about around the water cooler Monday morning?

9 – It Feels Good to Vote     

This is no joke.  Ever voted before?  It inspires a sense of fulfillment and gratification.  Happens to me every time.  Maybe it is a government plot, like they put something in the water at the voting stations, or maybe it is just the satisfaction that comes with feeling you're doing one’s part, but voting leaves one with a sort of tingly feeling inside.  Give it a try!  It’s fun, exciting and heck it only happens every four years anyway.

10 – It is so Easy to Vote, Even a Monkey Could do It  

They have made things so easy to vote these days, there is no effort involved.  People are entitled to time off work to vote.  In federal elections, you don’t even have to be registered beforehand, you can just show up at a polling station on the day of and get the deed done (although we do encourage you to prepare ahead of time and register as it makes it less stressful for the people running the elections).  No excuses here…just check a box and be on your way!

And a bonus for ya:
11 - Kick a Few Bucks to your Favourite Party

Did you know that for every vote cast in a federal election, the particular party receiving that vote collects $1.75? Regardless of whether or not the candidate is elected, the party still gets the money. These funds are used by the parties for research, publicity, and to further increase awareness about their party among the electorate. So yes, maybe your candidate has no chance in hell of getting elected this time around, but in the long run, their party will be better financed to continue their work - and all it takes is your vote.