Have you ever thought that performing a simple task like taking time out to exercise your right as a citizen could be healthy? Let me explain. Of late there has been heavy emphasis on the connection between physical exercise, decreasing stress in life and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. It is true that exercising your right is not exactly the same as working out on a treadmill, but deriving a sense of satisfaction, knowing you can make a difference with a single vote, can be a factor which results in a stress reduction. Doing good things, makes you feel happy and all doctors will admit happiness does play a major part in a healthy lifestyle. A little far fetched but true none-the-less.
What I really meant by the title of the article is that exercising your right to vote is healthy for your country. In all democratic nations real freedom hangs on a thin voting line. If people are not allowed to vote fairly on a level playing-field or there are no voting rights for all of its citizens then the very fabric of society deteriorates, even decays into a form of anarchy and or oppression.
In Canada we live and enjoy freedom, not just because our ancestors have fought for our democratic freedoms, but also because we can determine who will represent us in the legislation of laws that protect our precious rights. In some countries voting is so important that all citizens must vote or fines are levied. I believe Australia is a good example of mandatory voting by citizens. More important for your country’s health is not that your choice won the election, but that you actually voted. As long as the majority of people vote in a community, then things will eventually turn out okay.
In the last Provincial election Alberta hit a new low in voter turn-out. Only 41% of eligible voters took to the poles. Last election only 44% voted. Excuses like the inability to find the voting poll can only hold a little bit of water. There were some inadequacies in voting poll preparation, but not enough to keep 50-60% of the citizens away. Voter apathy and ignorance leads to abuse of our freedoms. There are many countries that hunger for some of the rights we take for granted. For the most part 50-60% of our citizens have forgotten that with every right comes an obligation, regardless whether you like or dislike an individual and or particular party. Sometimes it’s important to vote, even if you have to vote for the lesser of two or three evils!
So, what is the point of this discussion? Is it “you get what you deserve,” if you do not vote? No, it isn’t. The point is, exercise your right to vote. You have a basic obligation to do to keep your country healthy for you and for your children. Research the statements of the candidates Will the candidate represent your community’s interests? Find out how much a candidate has worked in the community where you live. Will that person represent you the best, look out for you and protect your rights as a citizen? There are many ways which will help you make an informed decision. If you did not vote last month, make a point to vote in the next election. Go for it! Exercise your right to vote and keep your country healthy.
