EXCERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE!

Tomorrow is our National election, as Canadian Citizen's we have a privilege that in other places in the world citizen's are denied.  All Canadians have the right vote.  Here are four countries in the world where EVERY citizen does not have the right to vote:

Lebanon - Partial suffrage. Proof of elementary education is required for women but not for men. Voting is compulsory for men but optional for women.

Brunei - No suffrage for women. Neither men nor women have had the right to vote or to stand for election since 1962 because the country is governed by an absolute monarchy. (see note)

Saudi Arabia - No suffrage for women. The first local elections ever held in the country occurred in 2005. Women were not given the right to vote or to stand for election.

 

United Arab Emirates—Limited suffrage (for both men and women), but it may be fully expanded in the upcoming election later in 2011.

 

As Canadians, each of us over the age of 18 has the opportunity to make a choice, and at the same time, if you say "I don't want to vote for anyone" well that's fine, but PLEASE go out and  exercise your voting privilege by spoiling your ballot. They do count spoiled ballots and it makes a statement.  

 

It was only 9 years ago that all adult Canadians except the Chief and Deputy Returning Officers can  vote in Canada.

 

In 1919 women were allowed to vote in Canada and it wasn't until 1940 that women in Quebec were granted that same privilege, in 1970 the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18,  in 1960 First Nations people in Canada were allowed to vote unconditionally, previously they could vote but had to give up their First Nations status.  It was in 1988 that mentally ill patients could vote and in 2002 prisoners were  given the right to vote in the riding in which they received their conviction.

That being said, go out and cast your ballot for whom ever YOU believe is the best candidate!  

Here is a link of where you can cast your ballot, Elections Canada