Democracy Requires More Than a Vote
Having lived in both Kuwait and China, I quickly discovered that attitudes toward democracy and personal freedoms can differ greatly from what we often take for granted in Canada. When I returned home, I developed a much deeper appreciation of what democracy meant to me—not simply the right to vote, but the freedom and responsibility to help shape our communities.
During the recent municipal election, I tried to show that appreciation by canvassing Ward Five. What I encountered was, at times, discouraging. Too many people seemed to regard electioneering as soliciting and campaign literature as junk mail. Others, who might even support a candidate and their platform, were reluctant to display a lawn sign or publicly express their views. Democracy, it seems, has become a quiet, private affair.
Of course, these are personal choices, and everyone has the right to make them. But I believe we should be a little more vocal, expressive and proud of our democratic freedoms. We should engage with candidates, ask questions, challenge ideas, vote and become involved in improving our neighbourhoods and communities.
Democracy is not simply something we inherit; we must practise and protect it. When we don’t vote, avoid discussion, refuse engagement or simply say we don’t know the candidates, we surrender part of our responsibility.
If we remain disengaged, we risk getting the communities we deserve and the governance that is left over—governance without sufficient public scrutiny, participation or accountability.
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