Voting is about choosing a representative that you believe will have your best interests in mind when making decisions. When you vote, you can make a difference in your community, province/territory, or country. 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
- Showing your responsibility and interest in Canada today and for the future
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 many different needs and perspectives of Canadians. This creates a government that best represents the population.
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.
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.
Accessibility measures are in place to ensure you can vote
Approximately 11% of non-voters in 2021 said they did not vote due to illness or disability. This number rises to 39% for people 75 years and older [2].
Elections Canada and partner organizations across the country are working to eliminate the barriers that keep people 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 included in many polling stations, 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.
No eligible Canadians can be kept from voting – it’s the law. That means you have the right to vote, and you have the right to access any accommodations you might need.
For more information about voting, upcoming elections, or general inquiries, visit elections.ca.
