Before we talk about how to vote, not sure why you should? Here’s a few reasons:
The “Why Vote? Top 10”:
Vote because….
10 If you don’t vote, you can’t bitch.
9 Voter turnout in London in 2006 was 42.3%. Surely we can do better if we’re choosing leaders for the next four years.
8 Voting is good for your health. Really. Ask CBS and WebMD.
7 All your friends are doing it. (Maybe not last time, but this time around, they’ll all be hacking the vote for sure.)
6 You wouldn’t let someone else choose your life partner (or your house, your hair colour, your career…) so why would you let someone else choose your leaders and your community’s future?
5 Your grandma will love it.
4 Apathy sucks. Large.
3 Status quo can kill you. (If it’s bad.)
2 It will get you into the Hack the Vote party on October 25.
1 You live in a country that gives you the right – THE RIGHT – to vote. And not everyone has it. Say what you want about the shortcomings of the democratic system, but you have a voice if you choose to use it. SO USE IT.
How to Vote
Now that you’re totally convinced, get moving on the following:
1. Get informed.
a. Know your ward. (Don’t laugh, most of us don’t!)
b. Check out the candidates and their platforms in your ward and city-wide (mayoral race). <link>
c. Talk to your family, friends, neighbours, mentors or others you respect, then formulate your own opinions – What do you care about? What is your vision for London? What candidates best represent this?
d. Attend Hack the Vote events to learn more and meet voter newbies and voter vets.
2. Get registered. (Or show up at the polls with two pieces of ID and a piece of mail with your current London address. Are you a student that doesn’t get mail in London? Contact us – getinvolved [at] hackthevote [dot] ca - to find out how to get a piece of voter-eligible mail!)
3. Find your polling station.
4. VOTE! (Need a buddy or a ride? Info coming soon.)
5. Attend the Hack the Vote election night celebration!
