October 3rd is Youth Voter Day!
Lise Richard, October 3rd, 2008
"Youth Voter Day is an opportunity for young people to take a hand in the decision-making of the country," says Katie Gibbs, co-chair of one national party's youth effort to involve more young voters in the upcoming federal election. "Involvement in politics means expressing your concerns and understanding your responsibility to represent your own interests in a democracy."By initiating a youth voter day on Friday, October 3, organizers hope to accomplish two things:
- to encourage young people who may not follow the election to pay attention and make a choice. This is a decision to act for a better future.
- to provide a chance for youth who might not know the how, when, where of voting to have a more relaxed voting experience.
Youth Voter Day is an important day for the voices of young Canadians - regardless of your political standpoints. Whether you're a Green Party supporter, a Liberal, NDP, or Conservative the important part is that you vote.
Our generation has become very apathetic to politics and the idea of voting. In the last federal election only a pitiful 25% of the potential youth vote made it out to the polls.
I've heard many students say that they don't feel as if their concerns are being listened to, or that they are only being fed lip service from politicians when given the opportunity to voice their concerns.
One of the most effective ways to have your voice heard, and to have your concerns addressed are by going to the polls and voting for that candidate which you think will most aptly address them.
By choosing not to vote because you don't feel it will make a difference, or simply because you don't want to walk the three minutes to the polling stations; could have a tremendous impact on the results of the elections.
Youth Voter Day just makes sense for students - especially StFX students. By getting to the polls on October 3rd, you not only get voting done (with less lines to wait in, and much less chaos) you are also free and clear to enjoy Homecoming weekend in full force. It also allows you relax and enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend without worrying when you will find time between studying for your October exams to get to the polls.
Head to the John Paul Centre, Main St (right behind the Ultramar) between 12pm and 8pm on October 3rd, and cast your ballet for the Canada you want to live in.
Be Loud, Be Informed, and Be Heard - Vote for a change!
To find out more visit youthvoterday.ca.
