Today is municipal voting day in my neighbourhood where we will vote for our mayor, ward councillor and school board trustees.  I’m thankful for the people who put their names forward to represent me and I’m grateful that I live in a country where I know I can vote how I want and feel safe while doing so.

Every single vote counts and countless races will be won by small numbers.  I’ve always told my children it is your duty to vote once you are of age and I have always voted even when I was away at university or busy with life.

As author Louis L’Amour said, “To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.”

And Michelle Obama said, “Elections aren’t just about who votes but who doesn’t vote.”

May all those who have the ability to vote express their voice and make a choice.  Today is the day when rights and responsibilities meet at the crossroads of the voting booth.