This post was first published in The Glengarry News, September 16, 2021.
“It’s the final countdown.” No, it is not 1986. And, no I’m not going to quote all of the lyrics by the Swedish rock band Europe, though it is really hard not to, eh? I was not heading for Venus last Friday morning, but I did make my way over to advance voting! There was a line up, since many thought the same thing.
Advance voting was underway, and after Mass last week, I made my way to the arena bringing with me my voter information card which I stuffed in my front shirt pocket. I also had an accepted ID with me. As we all waited in the line, battling the cold wind, and adjusting our masks, I wondered what would happen to me since I had forgotten my pen.
As Barack Obama once said, “there’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter.” Every Canadian citizen has the right to vote. It is how Canadians choose which leaders represent them. And, voting is a responsibility that all Canadians should exercise. There is now less than one week left. The final countdown is really happening!
As citizens, Canadian Catholics also have an obligation to be interested in political life and to exercise their civic responsibilities by participating in the electoral process, particularly by voting. (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church #2240, on duties of citizens) I reread what the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops mentioned back in 2004.
“Engagement in the political process is a constant civic duty, not only during electoral campaigns. We encourage Catholics to increase their awareness of the issues involved, to raise their concerns with the political candidates, to encourage strong civic debates, to run for political office, and especially to vote. We also thank everyone who is involved in running for or serving in political office, whether they belong to a particular faith community or not. Their commitment and service are generous contributions to the common good of our society.” (PDF document, Responsibility and Discernment #2, 2004)
The final countdown is on. Let’s exercise our right to vote. Have a great week. Peace.
