By Alex Soloducha

Elderly folk exercise their democratic right, right at home

Oct 19, 2015 | 5:40 PM

On Election Day in Canada, those over the age of 18 head out, line up and vote. But at Mont St. Joseph’s home, residents don’t have to go far to have their say.

On the first floor of the building, the single polling station was abuzz.

A line up of elderly people, some accompanied by family members, showed that wheelchairs and walkers are no obstacle.

Roy Flodell, 84, voted in the early afternoon.

“I’ve always voted, my whole life,” said Flodell. “I think it’s very important.”

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That’s why he’s always encouraged his family to do the same.

“I said, ‘Vote, I don’t care who you vote for. That’s up to you,’” said Flodell.

As far as the polling station goes, he said it was very convenient.

“It was so handy,” said Flodell. “I can’t walk so this was perfect.”

Elections Canada has made the process more accessible so those like Flodell have a chance to vote.

“They want to go vote but they wouldn’t want to drive five miles to vote,” said Flodell, about his neighbours. “But here, it’s right here.”

 He said people of every age who are eligible to vote should do so, as every age group should have a voice.

“Everybody’s got a different opinion,” he said, “Younger people are a little different, because we’ve gone through it all, they haven’t.”

While Flodell said he isn’t as invested in this year’s election as he was during past elections, he said there are still big issues that concern him.

“I think health is one of the most important things, and a place like this to live is wonderful,” Flodell said, indicating a vote for a party supporting long-term care.

Les Erikson’s 90-year-old father Allan has lived at Mont St. Joseph Home for two and a half years. Les waited with his father in the lineup to vote at the home.

“It’s difficult to get out and about in the city so having a polling station here at the home is very good,” said Erikson. “It’s certainly accessible for dad and the people to live here to have a polling station in the home.

“We all need to be able to exercise our democratic right to vote.”

Elections Canada officials also went door-to-door for those who were unable to leave their rooms.

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha