You had me right there with you until three little words snuck into your post — I don’t vote.

As a Canadian, I fully believe in the privilege of participatory democracy. The right to vote is precious, and fragile and hard-won — paid for in blood and tears. Personally, I believe that voting should be mandatory — showing up at the polling place and spoiling your ballot is still participation. You want access to the privileges of citizenship? Make your mark and don’t abdicate your duty.

I’ll step down off my soapbox now — and I’m a little sad that I had to get up on it at all. My ancestors and relatives who wore a uniform, fought and even died for that right deserve at least that much from me.