New Canadians excited to vote for first time in N.L. provincial election

A group of new Canadians will be exercising their right to vote for the first time Thursday, and are encouraging everyone who is able to vote to do the same.

Fozia Wasim, a business owner in St. John's, says voting makes a difference and allows people to select their political representative.

You have to participate, because it's very important.- Fozia Wasim

"If you are saying you are not voting, it means you are not participating with the community," she said.

"You have to participate, because it's very important."

Wasim said she voted in elections in Pakistan, and while the process was different voters are marked with ink to show they've voted the structure of parliament there is very similar.

But, she said people here often take the right to vote for granted. It's something she's had to wait 8 years to be able to do in Canada.

"For the people who are able to vote, they should vote," Wasim said.

Misba Saeed, a cook at a restaurant in St. John's, agrees and saysshe's excited to pick a candidate to represent her and her community.

"I'm very happy to be a citizen here and to choose the right person here," she said.

'It's going to be super exciting'

Neha Saeed, a college student in St. John's and Misba's daughter, is thrilled to get to vote for the first time.

"It's going to be super exciting for me, because it's going to be my first time voting over here in Canada," she said."I'm going to be excited, taking pictures and telling the world my friends in Pakistan and my friends here that I voted."

Neha said it's the responsibility of those who are able to vote, to get out and vote.

She suggested making it an event, and going to vote with friends and family.

Read more stories from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador