So, here's the thing. As a young person in this province, and especially a very conservative down like Riverview, I am constantly faced with a massive dichotomy when it comes to elections and voting.
I have been told two things each election season, whether I planned to vote or not -
1) It's your obligation to vote for what you believe in
2) What you believe in is wrong, you'll understand when you're older
This dichotomy is why, for years, I actively chose not to vote. I felt as though I had no business voting, since clearly my opinions on politics were immature and worthless. It wasn't until a friend actually asked why I felt how I did, listened, and responded to my actual concerns. A little compassion was all it took to turn me from a non-voter into a voter.
Now, as Canadians, we have the right to choose to vote. That is, we do have the right to stay home on election day. Each individual is not obliged to vote.
However, if you are speaking with someone who expresses a plan to skip voting - do everyone a favor and DO NOT guilt, cajole, threaten, or condescend. Instead, ask them why they have chosen not to vote. Do they just need a ride? Did a voter card not show up in their mailbox? Does the system confuse them? Do they feel insignificant or unrepresented?
Offer to help them. Make sure they understand their right to spoil their ballot (undervote: no candidate chosen, overvote: more than 1 candidate chosen). Show them a bit of compassion and make them feel like they matter.
