YOUR CIVIC DUTY IS NOT AN OPTION - DO YOUR PART

 

YOU Are the Most Important Cog in the Wheel of Democracy

In a healthy democracy, the most critical player isn’t always the person running for office—it’s you.

The humble, everyday voter who takes the time to get informed, stay engaged, and speak up is the true engine of a functioning civic system. The quality of leadership at City Hall—or any level of government—rises or falls on the backs of the electorate. When voters are informed and involved, better leaders are elected. When they are not, well… we all feel the cost.

So what does meaningful participation look like?

It means seeking out reliable, in-depth sources of news—like Voice of Nanaimo. It means reading city documents, watching council meetings either in person or online, digging into council reports, and speaking up. Write to the Mayor and Council. Ask questions. Raise concerns before the next tax bill hits your mailbox—not after.

Because complaining after the bill comes isn’t participation. Complaining before it comes? That’s called civic engagement.

It’s not trite to say you have a duty—a civic duty—to participate. Not just for yourself, but for your neighbours, your community, and your future.

So get informed. Get off the bench. Get into the game.

Until your cog is added to the wheel, democracy won’t turn the way it should.