Pollsters and pundits keep telling us it's not worth voting in Nova Scotia's provincial election on Tuesday because the outcome is preordained. I beg to differ. There are at least 5 good reasons to vote even if you don't support the party expected to form our next government.
1. Your vote tells politicians and others what’s important to you
Voting is an important way to let politicians, parties and pundits know which issues matter to you so they can take your views into account when shaping future policies and positions. For example, if enough of us vote for candidates that believe climate change is not only real, but an existential threat, we can increase the pressure on all parties and politicians to take the crisis more seriously and propose real options for addressing it.
2. Your vote helps your preferred candidate qualify for expense reimbursements and your preferred party qualify for semi-annual payments
In Nova Scotia, candidates who receive at least 10 percent of the votes in their ridings are entitled to be reimbursed for a portion of their campaign expenses - to a maximum of $1.94 for each vote they receive. Staying home could mean you're favourite candidate doesn't reach the 10% threshold or doesn't get as large a reimbursement as they would have otherwise, which may make it harder for them to run again.
In addition, registered parties in this province receive semi-annual payments equal to $1.50 per vote (indexed to CPI) to support their operations.
3. Your vote tells your preferred candidate and party that you appreciate their efforts
It takes a lot of hard work, passion and commitment to run for elected office. Your preferred candidate/party won’t know you like their ideas and support their vision if you don't take time to vote.
In addition, registered parties in this province receive semi-annual payments equal to $1.50 per vote (indexed to CPI) to support their operations.
3. Your vote tells your preferred candidate and party that you appreciate their efforts
It takes a lot of hard work, passion and commitment to run for elected office. Your preferred candidate/party won’t know you like their ideas and support their vision if you don't take time to vote.
4. Your vote says that you care about the government programs and services that help create healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities for all of us
Voting demonstrates that you care about the many government programs and services Nova Scotians rely on to make their lives better - including road construction and maintenance, healthcare, education, social services, economic development, firefighting, occupational health and safety, and environmental protection. Also, that we want them to be provided as fairly, efficiently and effectively as possible. Most people's daily lives would much harder without such programs and services so it's important we elect the best people we can to oversee their delivery on our behalf.
Voting demonstrates that you care about the many government programs and services Nova Scotians rely on to make their lives better - including road construction and maintenance, healthcare, education, social services, economic development, firefighting, occupational health and safety, and environmental protection. Also, that we want them to be provided as fairly, efficiently and effectively as possible. Most people's daily lives would much harder without such programs and services so it's important we elect the best people we can to oversee their delivery on our behalf.
5. Your vote inspires others to vote
Casting your ballot shows that you understand how important it is to vote, and it may inspire others to cast ballots too. Of course, real democracy is about more than just showing up to vote once every three or four years, but we have to do at least that much to protect our democracy from the authoritarian influences threatening democracies around the world.
The bottom line is, even if you feel discouraged heading into election day on November 26th, please take time to vote and encourage others to do the same. One way to do that is by downloading and sharing the image below, and/or using it as your profile pic on social media for next few days.
Thanks and good luck!
Casting your ballot shows that you understand how important it is to vote, and it may inspire others to cast ballots too. Of course, real democracy is about more than just showing up to vote once every three or four years, but we have to do at least that much to protect our democracy from the authoritarian influences threatening democracies around the world.
The bottom line is, even if you feel discouraged heading into election day on November 26th, please take time to vote and encourage others to do the same. One way to do that is by downloading and sharing the image below, and/or using it as your profile pic on social media for next few days.
Thanks and good luck!
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