My last vote in Canada

As a Canadian living in New York I was shocked, appalled, and frustrated at the July 20 ruling by Ontario Chief Justice George Strathy. Expatriates will no longer have the right to vote in our home and native land after five years away. We are disenfranchised from our civic responsibility and inherent right as citizens of our great country.

My citizenship card will never expire, and yet I’m no longer allowed to express my voice as a Canadian citizen? Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms says, “Every Canadian citizen has the right to vote in elections for Members of Parliament.” My rights, along with those of the 2.8 million Canadians around the world, should not be dismissed.

I’m appalled that in three years I will not be able to vote. I can assure you, that come October I will be making my last vote in Canada heard loud and clear. Jenn Beideman, New York