Once upon a time, some people thought the earth was flat. Once upon a time, some people thought it was okay to own other people. Once upon a time, some people thought it was okay to exterminate people who were different from them, Indigenous peoples, Jewish people.
Some people thought they could do anything to Mother Nature, and she would take it. Some people thought there were only men and women in the world. Some people thought if you believed differently from them you were wrong. You shouldn’t learn about things that are different. You should be quiet.
Times changed.
People opened their minds. People opened their hearts. They listened. They learned. They voted.
Sometimes it seems like we teeter backwards. Toward a place where people close their minds. Close their hearts. Don’t believe others. Only see their own point of view. But we can tip forward again. And we can vote.
I don’t know what it feels like to be a woman who loves another woman. I don’t know what it feels like to be a woman who doesn’t feel female. What it feels like to be Indigenous.
But I believe you do.
I believe we should know about each other and make our own choices. I don’t have to believe what you believe. You don’t have to believe what I believe. But we can learn and choose and respect and each have space for our own beliefs.
If you say you don’t care? It doesn’t make a difference?
Someday you will. Sometime there will be something that makes a difference to you. And you will care then. So it is time to vote.
Closing our eyes perpetuates problems. Going back to sleep is not an option. Vote.
Home on 129 Acres 
I haven’t missed voting in a single municipal, provincial or federal election since I became eligible. I always think not bothering to vote would be a slap in the face to the women who fought to get women the right to vote.
That’s a great way to look at it. I grew up with parents who voted and emphasized how important it is. It’s never seemed like something that’s optional to me.