1. "The simple act of voting, of marking an ‘X’ on a ballot, repeated twelve million times in one day, can overthrow a government without a single shot being fired."* " " of voting – once a privilege conferred on those affluent enough to own land or pay taxes – has become a right of citizenship enjoyed by all but a very few Canadian adults.** Canadians see voting not only as a treasured right but also as a civic obligation – a way of acting on our commitment to democratic principles and protecting our stake in Canada’s political life.