I love elections. I couldn’t wait to get my voter registration notice in the mail. It’s like the adrenaline of getting a thank you card (remember those?) or a Christmas card (remember those?) or when my Auntie Dee Dee sends me birthday money in the mail even though we live blocks apart.
There is just something about receiving paper mail with a real stamp affixed to the corner of an actual envelope that doesn’t say “past due” on it that gives me joy.
You know what else I love? Being a Canadian and, most times, I don’t even mind being born a female Canadian, except when I have to line up for a bathroom at a theatre or sporting event. If there was an election for the design of such places I would vote for more female washrooms and vote out the architects and designers who have yet to figure this basic human need out. But I digress.
I am well aware the right to vote, the privilege to live in a democratic society, is not only my birthright but my responsibility. It’s an honour men and women were willing to die for and I’m old enough to learn that from first-hand accounts of heroes whose voices are now dwindling in time. So, as a mother, I see voting as my chance to ensure my kids understand that an election is about more than debates, road signs and door-to-door canvassing. It’s about freedom in a civilized society. If you have to pay taxes, best have your say about where that money goes. Simple.
My future is here. I genuinely love where I live and want to continue to build a good quality of life for my family in the place we planted our roots two decades ago. The quality of that life depends on how I feel my community matches my values. Clean, accessible public parks and safe schools, with community spaces to bring people together matter. Environmental stewardship that focuses on the present and future growth of our towns is paramount. Access to health care and emergency services are critical, but they require our support.
Being able to afford to live here is perhaps the biggest struggle my family faces. The Carpenter and I are invested here, but we need to know the equity in our home will have value long term. Our retirement depends on it. Knowing our kids will leave here in a few years to pursue their education and likely won’t be able to afford to return home is just as big a concern. Will there be jobs for them? There is no better place to have raised our family and I hope, when it’s their turn, coming home is an option.
Each of our communities are going to grow and landscapes will change. It’s a fact. But progress isn’t something to fear. We don’t have to lose our small-town values or the things we cherish if we use our voices to keep our elected officials in check.
We are just weeks away from Remembrance Day and while there is much discussion about keeping this important date relevant for future generations, I believe this is exactly what elections do. Lest We Forget isn’t just a statement about remembering soldiers died for our freedom; it’s about remembering why they made the ultimate sacrifice.
Teach your children the value of a vote by exercising yours.