Things I Will Consider in Preparing to Vote

As a Canadian I feel blessed to live in a country where I am free to vote as I wish within a democratic system. This is not the case for many, even for those living in some socalled ‘democratic’ countries. Elections represent our greatest opportunity to have a say in where our government puts its focus, how it will function and serve, and the actions it will take during its time in office. At election time I think more about the kind of country I want to live in. I want it to be more just, to be truly based on the rule of law; I want it to be generous, where no one is left behind and those who are currently behind become the focus to receive what is missing (whether it be respect, education, food, health care, clean water, safety, economic sustainability).

As Baháʼu’lláh, Prophet/ Founder of the Baha’i Faith stated in The Hidden Words; “Oh ye rich ones on earth! The poor in your midst are My trust, guard ye My trust, and be not intent only on your own ease.”

I also think about the role we, as a prosperous and democratic nation, should play in the world. Whether we wish to admit it or not, we are co-stewards of this planet with rights and responsibilities equal to, but not greater than, every other person on it. Therefore, I want to see a government that acts decisively on issues such as climate change, global health issues, and environmental degradation for the longterm good of all. Again, Baháʼu’lláh tells us that “The earth is but one country, and Mankind its citizens”. But, above all, I think about the points clearly expressed in this paper from 1995: “No single principle of effective authority (aka governance) is so important as giving priority to building and maintaining unity among the members of a society and the members of its administrative institutions.” This includes “the intimately associated issue of commitment to the search for justice in all matters. Clearly, such principles can operate only within a culture that is essentially democratic in spirit and method.” The Prosperity of Humankind: A Statement by the Bahá’í International Community, March 03, 1995.

As a Baha’i, I look forward to the day when we, as a single body politic, will choose, through consultation and reflection, the issues of greatest importance and vote for individuals that we believe can best work together to address them. In the meantime, I will vote on September 20 (or before) and express my choice about who I wish to represent me in the next federal parliament.

Submitted by Tim Mock

Spiritual Upliftment

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