Windsor residents head to polls on election day: ‘It’s democracy’

By Mohammed Makki, Cindy Zhang, Shubham Shubham, Oliver Zhao, Yasmina El asfar

A steady stream of residents voted at a downtown Windsor polling station Monday afternoon.

“If you don’t vote you can’t complain,” said Gerald Dusa. “It’s a privilege to vote.”

Dusa was one of about 100 voters who had cast their ballot by 1 p.m. at Throne of Grace Church in the 400 block of Victoria Avenue. About 500 voters are expected before the polling station closes at 8 p.m., said election official Joey Acott.

Emily Coupland showed up to vote with several young children. She said it was good to explain the importance of voting to the next generation.

“We care about our neighborhoods and about our voice. Some people said they can’t vote because they have kids,” said Coupland. “It’s important to vote to show kids when they get older, they have to vote.”

Irfan Husain Siddiqui came to Canada from India 27 years ago. He said it was important to respect the democratic process.

“If you live in Canada you should vote. If you do vote, you support Canada,” he said.

Rob Donaldson said his father fought for this country to ensure Canadians had the right to vote.

“It’s our freedom of speech,” said Donaldson.

For Thomas O’Connor, the reason for voting is simple.

“It’s democracy,” he said.

Mahoud Mansour came to Windsor from Lebanon and said it’s everyone’s duty to vote.

“We have to vote, everyone should vote, we have to take care of our village”