Why I Decided To #momthevote

By On November 21, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Community, Inspired parenting

Being a mother has convinced me of the importance of voting. Today’s Mama’s Music Mantra hopefully encourages others to vote and be a proactive member of society. The song pick: It’s My Life by Bon Jovi. Now turn up those speakers, click play, and read on!

Mantra: “I ain’t gonna be just a face in the crowd

You’re gonna hear my voice

When I shout it out loud.”


Last Saturday, I finally became a responsible member of my community. I voted. I’m afraid to admit that I had only voted once before that. It’s the truth. Furthermore, that first voting experience left me feeling…indifferent. And that feeling, or lack of, was enough to prevent me from voting again, until the recent civic elections.

Why the apathy? I hate politics. I realized how much I hated the topic when I was forced to learn about the Canadian political system in Grade 11 Social Studies. It was of no interest to me whatsoever. When I turned 18, I was urged to vote by the media, my community, and my peers. But I didn’t. I didn’t care to know anything about these politicians, what they stood for, and what my stance was. Choosing a spot on the political spectrum is as much a part of one’s identity as gender, ethnicity, and religion. Not so much the case with me.

#momthevote

Fortunately, this round of elections was different for me. I never thought I’d say this: Twitter changed my life. My outlook on voting changed when I saw someone tweet that the government was cutting home visits by public health nurses to all new mothers. Upon finding out that I could sign a petition and send a message to Premier Clark, I took action. Those home visits really helped me and it definitely needs to be restored for all the new moms-to-be. Then it dawned on me that the elected officials and their decisions do actually affect me on a personal level. I’ve been seeing the hashtag #momthevote on Twitter since the approach of the elections. Every time I saw it, it made me think of how my life as a mother could change, or remain the same, if I voted. That hashtag has turned me into more of a citizen of this country than I have ever been. I feel empowered. I feel like I can make a difference. I feel like my voice matters. I have been guilty of being an apathetic Canadian in the past. But from here on, I vow to #momthevote!

What next?

  1. How do you feel about elections? Do you get out there and #momthevote? Let me know in the comments below!
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