https://www.theguardian.pe.ca/opinion/national-perspectives/andrew-coyne-theres-no-such-thing-as-a-ballot-box-question-but-parties-still-try-to-come-up-with-one-333235/
Two weeks ago at the Ridge students practiced their civic involvement by participating in our school-wide Student Vote. Grade 9’s, 10’s, 11’s and 12’s voted for an electoral candidate according to their electoral riding, Oakville or Oakville North Burlington. The candidates running in the Oakville riding include Anita Anand(Liberal Party), Terence Young(Conservative Party), JD Meaney(People’s Party of Canada), Jerome Adamo(New Democratic Party), James Elwick(Green Party of Canada), and Sushila Pereira(Christian Heritage Party of Canada). Those running in the Oakville North Burlington riding include Gilbert Joseph Jubinville (People’s Party of Canada), Michael Houghton (Green Party), Nicholas Dion (NDP), Pam Damoff (Liberal Party) and Sean Weir (Conservative Party).
Students were called down by class and proceeded to the voting stations, which were located in the “street”, library and on the third floor.
Being an active participant in Student Vote is an amazing opportunity as it allows us, as students, to experience what it's like to vote. By introducing high school students to the voting system early, they are more likely to continue these voting practices later on. According to Elections Canada in 2015 the voter turnout from ages 18-24 was 57.1%. This is 21.7% less than those aged 65 to 74.
Democracy represents the voice of the people although those aged 65 to 74 disproportionately represent that voice. By voting, young people get to see their issues addressed in political campaigns. Not only do students learn about voting, but Student Vote also facilitates conversation.
The vote sparked dialogue amongst students’ peers and their families. Here’s what some students at the Ridge had to say about it…
“I’m glad that young students are given this opportunity to vote and participate in some way, I think it really instills the importance of voting and the power your vote can have”
-Grade 12 Ridge Student
“For someone who doesn’t pay much attention to politics, I didn’t find the student vote very convenient to me, personally”
-Grade 12 Ridge Student
As you can see there are mixed opinions on voting.
Student Vote highlights teens’ drive to be included in politics. There has been debate as to whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 and the turnout at Iroquois Ridge High School may be a sign that this should happen.
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