blue_lotus13 | Sick of elections

I am passionate about voting, and believe that voting is a privilege that we have as Canadians. I know that voting is a right, but it's still a right that many people do not have. This is why I cannot understand voter apathy and a disinterest in voting, as people have died for this right. Many minorities within Canada were denied the right to vote as a punishment. So I can't understand people who don't take an interest in turning up at the polls, and trying to have their say in social policies.

However, I must admit that I am sick of elections. Since 2003, I've been called to the polls over 5 times.

1. Saskatoon municipal election- When Canada's nuttiest mayor was elected.
2. Saskatchewan provincial election- When [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com] ran an excellent campaign and her candidate beat the Liberal candidate
3. Federal election- okay I still feel guilty about this one, because I was treeplanting and didn't vote. I am still kicking myself about this, but I never managed how to get my absentee ballot sent to Alberta. However, fuckwad Stephen Harper did not get in, and that's all I care about.
4. BC Provincial election- I voted, my candidate won, but the overall election was kinda lame.
5. Vancouver municipal election- I voted, most of my candidates didn't get in.

And now, there's another federal election. I'm not happy about this for two reasons-

1. It gives Stephen Harper another kick at the can, and I just want him to go away. I don't know what I will do if he gets in. I guess I will throw all kinds of support at gay rights organizations and social services and try my best to be more politically active. I don't think Paul Martin is a prince, but I do prefer him to Harper, and his politics are palatable.

2. Elections bring out the worst in people. I hate campaigns where people slander the other candidates, and use the campaign as an excuse to act like childish and immature bastards. I don't think it makes anyone look good, and I would rather deal with and address the issues that need addressing.

Thank you, I'll shut up now.