Voting in Canada should be required by law (meaning punishable by fines).

Democracy is highly desired system of government. In Canada, we have the privilege of voting for our own representatives and we have a say in how country should be governed. The privilege should be utilized by Canadian citizens, yet in past elections such as the one held on May 2, 2011 only 61.1 % of Canada’s population showed up. I believe this is ridiculous; we are not taking advantage of our ability to vote. If the Canadian government implemented a fine for not voting, I believe we could change the 61.1 % to 100% allowing a real democracy government to run.

      Many citizens from different countries yearn to be able to have a democracy, places like the Middle East. Yet here we are with the privilege to vote and the whole population is not running to vote and have a say in how they will be governed. As Canadians, we are lucky to have such a great democracy but what point is there to have it if we are not utilizing it to our advantage. In the 1800’s Upper and Lower Canada rebelled and fought for a democratic government. In fact, they went through various violent rebellions and a long, grievous process to achieve any form of democratic government system. This long and arduous fight for democracy shows how important it was to the Canadian citizens back then. Why should the present day citizens not utilize this privilege when our ancestors fought so hard to gain this democracy. I believe this shows great disrespect.  By enforcing a law to make sure everyone votes will allow citizens to realize how important these elections really are.

    I believe there are many benefits to implementing a law to ensure 100% voter turnout. Firstly, if all citizens have a say into who will be governing us then it is a REAL democracy. Secondly, if everyone must vote, many will look into politics more and learn about the different parties. By learning and looking into politics the citizens will now be able to give an informed vote rather than a vote to whomever sounds like a cool guy. This will ensure that the best party due to everyone’s informed votes will govern us. Thirdly, by enforcing a law punishable by fines it will show the citizens of Canada how important these elections really are. The law will help the citizens realize that they are brushing off such an important and desirable privilege envied by many other countries. Many more people will become aware of elections and how to give an informed vote.

      I believe that implementing a law, punishable by fines for non-voters will significantly benefit Canada’s government system. It will not only improve our democracy but also give awareness to the importance of elections. In my opinion I strongly agree to create this new law, it will teach the younger generations (people like me) to show interest in our government system and ultimately be ready to give an informed vote when we are of legal age to vote. As Canadians, with this incredible privilege I believe it should be utilized to our advantage and if enforcing a law is what it takes then so be it.