Living in a democracy allows any Canadian citizen over the age of 18 years old and who has resided in Manitoba for more than six months the opportunity to vote. Unfortunately, less than 60% of Manitobans vote. Indigenous voters, periodically, do not make their mark in the voting poles. Let’s face it, voting is a privilege and it wasn’t very long ago that women and Status Indians were not allowed to vote here in Canada.
The Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s in the United States was based around voter registration. First Nations, Metis and Inuit people of Manitoba must make a stand and show that our voices are being heard. We should prove we care about the future of Manitoba and communities by having a voice that deserves to be heard. If you are not registered to vote in the communities in which you reside, call your Senior Electoral Officer and get your name on the voters list.
As citizens of our municipal governments, bands, Manitoba Metis Federation, province and federal elections, we must choose elected officials who represent our values and needs. The candidates running in any election should have a political platform that represents your community and the needs of the people in the community they are representing. Get to know candidates, who they are, what they stand for and what is important to them. We cannot leave the quality of our education, water and sewer ways, roads, partnerships with corporations, tax-money, laws, and by-laws in the hands of elected officials without questions or concerns.
If we want to see things change in this country, we must vote for parties and representatives that we believe will fairly represent us in office. When we are not happy with policies, laws and events, we should make appointments with the level of government we have issues with. Write letters to Parliament, make phone calls to elected officials and meet with your MLA, MP, Chief and elected officials to voice your opinions and suggest changes and actions that you would like to see happen. Remember, those in office are there to represent you, your family and your community.
Voting is available in the provincial elections for absentee voters who are out of town. If a person has a disability, they are eligible to vote from home and voting is also available for determined voters within the walls of hospitals. Ensure your name is on the upcoming City of Winnipeg‘s voters list for election day held on Wednesday, October 22, 2014. Your vote matters!