When you vote, you can make a difference in your community, province/territory, or country. Voting is about choosing a representative that you believe will have your best interests in mind when making decisions.
Voting gives you a voice
Your vote is your voice. Voting for the candidate of your choice is a privilege of our democracy, and is not available to many people around the world.
By casting your vote, you are[1]:
- Choosing a candidate you think will best represent you and what’s important to you;
- Engaged and informed in the electoral process,
- Supporting democracy and everything it stands for
- Showing your responsibility and interest to how the country is running
- Stating a vested interest in the future of Canada
Elections have been won by just a few votes, so every vote matters. Even if the candidate you choose does not win, your vote shows where your support lies and this can help shape the government’s decisions.
Your interests aren’t represented when you don’t vote
To have the best election possible, the voter turnout needs to be high and needs to represent the diversity of Canada. This creates a government that best represents the population. By voting, you are giving the brain injury community a voice in government.
If individuals from the brain injury community do not vote, issues and views important to that community will not be represented in government by representatives. Therefore, those issues will not be high-priority.
Accessibility measures are in place to ensure you can vote
13% of non-voters in 2019 said they did not vote due to illness or disability. It’s one of the top reasons people do not vote [2]. Elections Canada and partner organizations across the country are working to eliminate the barriers that keep individuals from exercising their right to vote.
All federal elections will have accessibility measures in place that can help people with disabilities vote. For example, you can vote by mail so you do not have to leave where you live. Depending on your situation, you may be able to vote at your long-term care facility, hospital, or home .
Accessibility measures are integrated into the polling station, such as wheelchair accessibility and voting screens that let in more light. There are tools and services available upon request, such as help marking your ballot, magnifying glasses, large-grip writing instruments and sign language interpretation.
Navigating the election with a disability or illness can feel overwhelming – but voting by law must be accessible. No eligible Canadians should be kept from voting.
Vote for the candidate you think will best represent you and your community
When you understand the platforms of the candidates in your riding, you can cast an informed and educated vote. The candidate that you choose will represent your values, beliefs, and can possibly incite change in an area you believe needs help. Voting is important because it is a way for you to get involved in creating positive change in your community.
Casting your vote is sharing your voice
It may not feel like it, but every vote is someone’s voice being heard. And when enough voices come together through voting, real change can happen.
For more information about voting, upcoming elections, or general inquiries, visit elections.ca
[1] 2019 Elections Canada x Brain Injury Canada information webinar
[2] Statistics Canada – Reasons for not voting by province, 2019 federal election
