I've often encountered a lot of people (youth and adults) who don't think its important to vote in elections. Either they don't care, or just aren't interested in the issues/politics, I think its something that many Canadians take for granted - that you do have an opportunity to make your voice heard.

There are many reasons why I think its important that you go out to your polling station on October 14, but I will give you a few pieces of info about why I vote:

a) my upbringing around the world (Canada, Singapore, Taipei, Thailand - and a lot of traveling in between) has shown me a lot of different political systems. From parliaments, to one-party states to constitutional monarchies, I have seen them all. I might not have known the intricacies of each system, but I did understand that there was an inherent value in how a country governs itself. What works in one country doesn't necessarily work in another, but the one thing that connects most of these systems is citizen involvement.

b) the first election that I was remotely interested in was the 2000 Federal Election - which happened 2 days before my 18th birthday! I actually felt a little miffed that I wasn't able to cast a ballot - and especially after all the hooplah with the the Gore-Bush election in the US, I was anxious to play a part.

c) since then I have participated in elections at every level - municipal, provincial and federal. I haven't always voted for the same party - every time I reassess my own political beliefs and see how I compare to the options - I'm definitely a different person since 2000 and I feel that my politics have changed as well.

d) I'm lucky that my polling stations are literally around the corner from where I live. It makes it very convenient that first thing in the morning, before heading to work, I can cast a ballot in a very simple process.

e) I'll admit that I actually get a bit of thrill following politics. I think its all about vision and innovative thinking. Who's able to get me to nod my head and think "I want this person to be our leader"?

So that's my reasons why I vote - what about yours?