After seven years of calling Canada home, I am finally casting my first vote in a Canadian federal election. It’s a powerful and emotional moment—one that marks not just a personal milestone, but a step into full civic participation as a Canadian citizen. For the first time, I am able to fulfill not only my civic duty but also assert my political will and contribute to shaping the country I now belong to. 

Becoming a citizen, especially as a former refugee, was never a simple journey. The past seven years were filled with both gratitude and challenges. I lived through major political shifts in Canada, watched as policies were made, changed, and contested policies that directly impacted people like me. I was affected by decisions around immigration, education, healthcare, and refugee resettlement. But through it all, I didn’t have a voice in the political process. I couldn’t vote. I couldn’t hold my representatives accountable or help influence the direction of the country. 

That powerlessness left a lasting impact. It’s incredibly difficult to be in a precarious position and know that those in power have the ability to shape your future, yet you have no direct say. You watch as elections come and go, parties rise and fall, and decisions are made that ripple through communities, while you remain on the sidelines. 

But this year, that changes. 

This election, I will walk into a polling station and cast my vote for the first time. I’ll vote for the Member of Parliament I believe will not only represent my interests but also uphold the rights of those who are still voiceless. I will vote for someone who understands that policies must be inclusive—not just for today, but for the future of this country. I will vote with the hope that our leaders reflect the diversity, compassion, and forward-thinking values that brought me to Canada in the first place. 

Voting, to me, is more than checking a box or aligning with a party. It’s about showing up for those who can’t. It’s about ensuring that the hard-won rights I now have are used responsibly—not just for my benefit, but for those still navigating the long path to safety, stability, and citizenship. It’s about remembering where I started, and where I now stand. 

To those who have the right to vote but are uncertain or disengaged, I urge you to reconsider. I understand that it’s easy to think one vote doesn’t make a difference. Many believe their riding is already secure, or that their single voice won’t shift national policies. But that’s not true. Every vote matters. One vote may not change the entire political landscape overnight, but it can shift the direction of a community. And sometimes, it’s the direction of one community that sparks broader change. 

If you’ve never voted before, or haven’t in a while, I encourage you to take a few hours out of your work or school schedule. The temporary disruption is nothing compared to the long-term impact your vote could have—not just for yourself, but for generations to come. Imagine the type of country you want to live in. Then vote for the leadership that can take us there. 

For those of us who once didn’t have the right to participate, voting is more than an option—it’s a privilege and a responsibility. I vote not just for myself, but for the newcomers who are still finding their way, for the refugees waiting in limbo, and for the young people hoping to see a more inclusive, just, and equitable Canada. 

This is our time. Let’s not sit this one out. Let’s use our voices. Let’s use our votes.