Participating in a democracy

We live in a country that gives us the right to freedom of speech, selection of religion and the greatest gift that we all have which is the ability to get out and cast your vote for whomever you wish best represents your political view without any backlash. Voting is one way that we can participate in our democracy.

Your vote could actually change your life for the better, and in a competitive race like this upcoming municipal by-election you should think hard about visiting the voting booth. You may ask.... why is my vote so important and can l determine the outcome of a race particularly the one on June 26, 2023? This may sound like a very weak argument, but your vote does matter and yes.... even just one vote can make a big difference to any political outcome. In this particular by-election to elect the next mayor of Toronto, it is important to get out and vote, because every vote counts.

Why is your vote so important?

This by-election for mayor’s timing is usual because it is happening in the summer’s month when many folks are away or just too lazy to get out and vote. Mu- nicipal elections are usually in October every four years, but this one is on Monday June 26, 2023 and low voter turnout is expected. if Indication is correct, then we will have in the neighborhood of 20 to 25% turnout and that could be disastrous for many candidates.

When you vote, you’re not just electing government officials, but you and fellow voters are expressing your needs, preferences, satisfaction, and dissatisfaction as an elector. Voting is the primary language of a democracy. It’s one of the main tools people have to communicate how they wish to be governed. Voters decide to put in office people who are reflective of the issues they care about, their commitment to developing solutions for pressing societal problems, and how they would like their tax dollars spent.

Every vote counts, especially when elections are close and have a lot at stake, especially this by-election for mayor of Toronto.

However, concerns about voter apathy are not unique to Toronto but have come into sharp focus after only 29% of the city’s 1.9 million registered voters cast ballots in the last municipal election. In the advanced polls that just occurred, it was estimated that just over 130,000 residents attended 50 advance voting locations which was just slightly higher than normal advanced polls. But the final turnout figures remain to be seen suggesting that the record num- ber of candidates may end up suppressing voter engagement.

Eligibility to vote in the 2023 by-election for mayor requires individuals to be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old, and either residents of Toronto or nonresidents who own or rent property in the city. It is important to note that voters are only permitted to vote once, regardless of the number of properties they own or rent within the city. On election day, voters who own or rent multiple properties in Toronto must vote only in the ward in which they reside. Olivia Chow continues to lead in the polls with the latest research showing 35 per cent support with Saunders and Bailao fighting for that second spot and who will be the alternative to Olivia Chow.

When you go to vote on Monday June 26, 2023 in your ward, you may say to yourself that l will be given a ballot with 102 names and that may be intimidating to some. Please do not let that interfere with you and your family getting out to vote.

Intimidation is probably the biggest reason why many folks stay away from voting. Look at this democratic experience that you have as a positive and that you live in a country, province, city that gives you the ability to cast your vote. We still live in a country and within a democracy that enables you to exercise your political rights. Please take advantage of it because if we do not, we all lose out.

There are many things wrong in the city of Toronto right now. It’s becoming less affordable for the people who made the city great in the first place. Let’s encourage our family and friends to participate as we should all bear a sense of ownership and encourage and educate our youth, help our seniors to get out and vote and praise those that participate and process. I believe if you are able, it is incumbent for all to cast a vote, especially this by-election on Monday June 26, 2023.

There are many reasons folks don’t vote. But instead of asking how we can make the system work better, we place the blame on individuals. This election is taking place on a Monday, as it usually does and make it a priority to vote before you go to work or just after. Make arrangements with your employer to get to the polls if you need some time as most are flexible and would grant you that extra time. The last thing that l would share with you is that many will say that the leading candidate is so far ahead so why is my vote that important? The answer to that is that you should not be intimidated by the polls because they have been wrong in the past.

The only poll that counts is the result on election night....

Your vote is important, but more importantly encourage those around you to exercise their political democratic rights.

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