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THE POWER OF ONE
10-22-2014
Despite being possibly one of our greatest civic duties, voting is the least exercised.
Many do not feel their voice is heard when they cast their vote, but they do not realize that their presence at the ballot box does make a difference in the smallest ways. The upcoming November 15th civic election is just the beginning of many that will affect how you live your life. The policies from the politicians we elect will shape our communities and, in turn, shape our lives. The right to vote must not be taken for granted as the price that people have paid for achieving democracy in Canada has been extremely high. Voting is your greatest civic duty so use it as a tool to enact change. Voting is about taking responsibility and serving your country. Why would you want someone else deciding what’s best for you?
Respect your right to vote because it's a privilege that many people in the world don't have. People in other countries where democracy is non-existent are putting their lives on the line to be able to live in a true democratic country and vote for their leaders without having rigged elections. Citizens in many countries around the world are organizing mass demonstrations against corrupt governments demanding representation by the people. For these people, voting is a luxury which may only be achieved after much violence and force.
In Canada, we are blessed with peace and security, state of the art medical and educational facilities, social and economic prosperity. I pray and it is my hope that our brothers and sisters living in countries where life is a constant daily struggle can live such enriched lives. When you take a look at countries that are run by dictators you feel a little more proud of your privilege and freedom to vote that Canada provides for all citizens.
If you don’t vote, you have absolutely no grounds to complain.
Vote because it’s your opinion can influence change and set direction for government officials,
Vote because it’s your chance to make your choice about your future government and of course, express your opinion about the present one,
Vote because every vote counts,
Vote because your vote is worth just as much as anyone else’s and isn’t your voice worth being heard?
Leaders of our community should encourage people to volunteer for candidates as they need our support so that our voices can eventually be heard in local and federal governments. Announcing the names of local candidates must be made on a regular basis during Jummah prayers so that people learn to recognize our candidates. Leaders of our community must take the initiative upon themselves to volunteer for candidates and be role models for our children. They must urge their members to volunteer for candidates and to be vocal in urging individuals to exercise their voting powers. Individuals must volunteer their time without expecting spontaneous physical reward or compensation. People should not make pointless excuses that they are “busy.” Most readily make themselves available by freeing up their schedules for leisure activities yet when they are requested to volunteer their time for assisting with local election campaigns, they are suddenly preoccupied. Adults must show their children that being involved in the issues and activities of their city benefits everyone and provides a sense of genuine accomplishment.
My son, Adil Awan, is running as a candidate for city council for the City of Richmond under the banner of Renew Richmond Association. He needs your support on November 15th to ensure that your opinions can be heard at Richmond City Hall. Please contact mawan4@gmail.com for more information on how you can help.
Please volunteer your time to candidates and their campaigns leading up to the election. Please support the candidate of your choice on November 15th and fulfill your civic responsibility.
On a final note, we should acknowledge and appreciate the efforts made by those who will offer themselves for public office on November 15th. There is no finer proof of someone’s commitment to their community than their decision to run for public office. In that sense, everyone who appears on the ballot is a winner. All of them can serve as examples for the rest of us as we commit ourselves to doing what we can to advance the best interests of our communities, our province and our country.
Mahmood Awan
Richmond
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