'It gives me a different identity:' 1st time voter ready for the polls
Former refugee excited to exercise right to vote
Some Canadians might grumble about the long election and the long lines come election night on Oct. 19.
But for Nathaniel Deng, this election is a dream come true.
Deng was born in war-torn South Sudan, and came to Canada five years ago as a refugee.
"Being a stateless person for a long time has been too much for me," he said.
A student at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, Deng has since become a citizen, now able to vote in the upcoming election in the Regina-Lewvan riding.
It's very important, and we don't need to be complacent, even if things don't go the way we expect them.- Nathaniel Deng
It will be his first time — ever — voting in an election.
"I'm happy that I got to be a citizen. And I'll participate in a democratic process to choose my leaders and then make them accountable if I see that they are not doing what I expect from them."
While Deng feels excited, he says it's disappointing to hear those around him say they're not voting.
"I think [Canadians] take it for granted so much," he said. "My friends in the university, some think nothing will change, even if they vote or they don't vote."
"It is very important, and we don't need to be complacent, even if things don't go the way we expect them."
While Deng is prepared to vote — armed with the proper identification — he says he still hasn't made up his mind on who he is casting his ballot for.