You can vote! The official card came in the mail with my name on it. Along with 18-year-olds all over Canada, I am able to vote for the first time in this federal election.

Seeing that card with my name on it gave me a chill and a wave of responsibility washed over me — I can vote and make my mark on the future of this country.

I have to admit that I am a bit out of touch with Canadian politics, having lived outside the country for a while, but it is my responsibility to do my research and make an informed decision. I am, after all, Canadian.

Living in America after several years in China, I am struck by the length of the election campaign here. It seems to go on forever.

I remember last spring in Shanghai, my mom was glued to the television watching the primaries unfold on CNN. It seems as though the Canadian election could have happened 10 times over during the primaries alone.

The political systems are certainly different north and south of the 49th parallel. The American election seems to be surrounded with so much hype and hoopla while the Canadian election is much more understated.

At college, I am surrounded by people who will be voting for the first time here in America as well. Like me, they are taking their responsibility seriously.

I am struck by how closely people align with their political party here. Many people announce proudly: “I am a Democrat,” or “I am a Republican.” People wear their political identities like a second skin. Your political identity defines you more here.

This feels different from the Canadian electorate I know. The people by whom I am surrounded in Canada seem to have a more private political identity. We don’t tend to announce: “I am a Liberal. I am a Conservative. I am an NDPer. I’m a Green.”

My mom is a big Barack Obama fan. She is one of the many ex-pats in Shanghai, hoping for change that could have worldwide impact so, I sent her an Obama action figure. This is a popular item here in Chicago, Obama’s home.

I have also seen the McCain doll and, of course, the Sarah Palin action figure (she comes complete with her own rifle) sold by Chicago hawkers.

Somehow, I can’t imagine a Stephen Harper doll being sold readily on the Lower Mainland streets. This is another significant difference between here and home. Because the elections happen so fast in Canada, there is probably not enough time to really get the merchandising machines rolling. Somehow, though, I think it would be pretty unlikely that my friends and family would be lining up to purchase Canadian political action figures.

Three weeks before the Americans go to the polls and make their marks, we in Canada will mark our ballots. There will be less glitz and hoopla but this election is also very important.

I for one, am happy that I can make my mark.

Naomi Yorke is a Port Coquitlam teenager who, for the past four years, has been living and learning in Shanghai, China, and writing about her experiences twice a month for The Tri-City News. She has now moved to Chicago, where she’s attending art school and will continue writing her column.