Voting

There are things I am really proud of that my country does.

We are one of many democracies around the world, and our citizens get to vote.

That sounds simple, but it really isn't. There are many, many questions that have been raised in the world's democracies about that privilege.

Who should be denied that right? In the past, it was not extended to various racial groups, or to women. This is considered to be insanity, but this it was not always that way. Now, this is considered a no-brainer.

There also used to be property restrictions. Wouldn't want poor people voting, now would we? Those are now long gone, but this isn't true for citizens of every country.

It wasn't until 1988 that federally-appointed judges would legally vote. What was the deal with that all about? In theory they were supposed to be considered impartial to such matters, but in reality it was just plain stupid.

But what about criminals in prison? Should they retain the power to vote? What about after their release? In our good neighbour to the south, 5.8 million convicted felons are denied the power to vote, and in 13 states they are permanently disenfranchised. They are not alone, as there are other countries that do this also.

What about people considered mentally incompetent? In 30 American states there are limitations put on the voting rights of this group. Again, the US is not unique in this.

What about people who are unable to get to the polls on election day? Are they going to be able to vote?

How about citizens who are not only unable to attend on election day, but who are not even resident in Canada?

I love the solution Canada has chosen to all of these issues.

If you are Canadian, and 18 years of age, you will be able to vote. We have learned from all the racial, and gender nonsense of the past that nobody should have the power to restrict a citizen's right to vote.

If you are in prison, you will be able to vote. Your ballot will be counted in the district where you were last resident before your incarceration. Once released, you are exactly like everybody else. Interestingly, polls show that incarcerated voters pretty much vote exactly like citizens on the outside.

Nobody ever gets to deny your right to vote based on mental competence anymore. You have every right to show up and poll, or to send in a distant ballot, and people will be available to assist you.

If you cannot get to the polls on election day, or even if you just don't want to, you may register an early vote by mail.

You don't even have to be resident in the country to do this, and Canadian expatriates around the world retain this right, although only a small percentage take advantage of it.

A recent prime minister decided to remove voting rights from Canadians who had been living abroad for 5 years or more. This affected 1.4 million citizens, although typically only about 6,000 on average cast ballots in any federal election. This sparked general outrage, and it was an issue that helped him to lose the next election by a landslide.

In fact, the only Canadians who don't vote are those who can't be bothered to make the effort, are under 18, or who don't want to.

Except for two people in the entire country. The Chief Electoral Officer, and the Assistant Chief Electoral Officer are not able to vote, as they are supposed to remain impartial at all times.

I say let those last two bastards vote. Make it a totally clean slate.