Getting Involved in Politics When You Can’t Vote
By Raymond Bhushan
The Canadian Federal Election is just around the corner. On October 21, Canadians will choose the direction they want the country to head in — Canadians over the age of 18, that is. As high school students, the overwhelming majority of us will not be eligible to vote on Election Day, and for the most part, our voices will be ignored when choosing the next Prime Minister.
Or will they?
Just because you’re not an adult doesn’t mean you can’t actively participate in Canadian democracy. Students have shown time and time again that they can make themselves heard. Climate Strike Canada, for example, is an organization run by students and Canadian youth to bring awareness to climate issues. Last year’s student walkout was organized by students in response to government actions. Don’t sell yourself short just because you can’t vote in this election; there are many ways that you can make a difference.
Campaigning
The easiest way that you as a student can participate in this election is to volunteer for a candidate. Signing up to volunteer isn’t difficult; you can apply to become a volunteer on the party’s website. If the candidate is independent or you can’t figure out how to register, simply send them an email and they’ll respond. Believe me, they won’t turn down the extra help.
When assisting a campaign, there are many responsibilities that you can take. Door-to-door knocking, putting up lawn signs, and helping out during meet-the-candidate events are all examples of possible activities you can participate in. As a new volunteer myself, I know that going door-to-door handing out flyers is a daunting task, but it is a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in politics. Not only are you actively participating in the political system, you are also developing your speaking skills and meeting new people from all backgrounds. The group that I volunteer for is comprised of a diverse group of individuals from various ages and cultural backgrounds. Volunteering also helps you make connections with the candidate who may be your next MP, meaning you can communicate your feelings on certain issues and possibly offer solutions.
Picking a Side
With five major parties running candidates in Ontario, it’s easy to become confused and apathetic. All of the major parties have their own websites that you can access with a quick Google search. From there, you can read their platform (policies that they would enact given the power to do so). Use the information at your disposal to locate the party that best aligns with your political beliefs. If you feel torn between two parties, or have no idea which one to support, there are many useful tools that can help you such as the CBC Vote Compass. It’s a short quiz about election issues that compares your answers to the proposals of each party and comes up with the strongest match for you.
Another important factor to consider is the candidate running. Perhaps you align more closely with Party A over Party B, but you really like Party B’s local candidate. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but I personally prefer candidates over the party. In fact, I’m volunteering for a candidate from a different riding than mine! Candidates usually have a brief platform of their own, which you can find on their website (if they have one) or on their flyers. You can also email them if you have questions, which they will gladly answer.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Difference
There are all sorts of ways you can make a change without casting a ballot. If you’re uncomfortable with public speaking, there is always behind the scenes work you can get involved with. Organizing meet-and-greets, designing a candidate’s website, or participating in a protest are all examples of activities you can participate in that don’t put the spotlight on you. There are many ways to participate in our democratic process, but the point is to do something!
Remember: when you turn 18 you only get one vote.
When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to reach out to hundreds of voters. When you form connections with your community and political leaders, you can have an impact on future decisions. When you meet new people, you can forge strong friendships and broaden your worldview.
So don’t feel bad about that single vote you don’t have yet. Go out, volunteer, and advocate for positive political change — after all, it’s our future.
