As the federal election campaign picks up speed, the Citizen’s Bruce Deachman has been asking Ottawa residents to share, in their own words, some experiences and thoughts on voting. Today: Heather Pira of Alta Vista on getting informed and whether politicians tell the truth:
“I’m hoping to vote, although I’m not sure, because I don’t feel informed.
“I’ve been a spotty voter. I didn’t vote in the provincial election because I didn’t feel it would make a difference, but this time it feels much more important. There’s a lot more at stake. I think a lot of people are scared that we’ll turn into what’s happening in the States.
“The first time I can remember voting was when I was in my 20s. Maybe 28. I lived in a rental around Preston Street, in Centretown. I lived with my best friend who was a teacher at the time. So a lot of the issues were important to her, and I think that’s what influenced me to vote. I think it was a federal election. I voted NDP because it felt different than what we’ve always had. But the person I voted for did not win.
“Until then, I guess it wasn’t that important to me to vote. Or perhaps I felt the way I do now; that I wasn’t well enough informed. On top of that, I don’t feel like they tell the truth when they’re campaigning. So it feels frustrating.
“I remember when Justin Trudeau got elected. It felt hopeful, it felt exciting. It felt like there was change coming. And I think that’s part of the problem, when there isn’t too much change, and you think, ‘What’s the point?’
“I think I vote when there’s a leader that I actually feel is trying to stand on something that they’re going to do, rather than just what appeals to the public. Sometimes I vote for the party, and I vote all over the place, but this time I think it’s the person, the leader.”
