Are you renting a place in the city you attend school? Do you have your transcript, a bank or credit card statement, or even your cell phone or utility bill handy? Do you care about your housing rights as a student, or matters pertaining to your university city’s local police? Has finding a job in your university city ever been difficult for you? If you answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, I would encourage you to continue reading- and to vote in the upcoming municipal election on October 22nd.
With such an important election quickly approaching, students need to be prepared to cast their ballot come October 22nd. It is fundamental for students to know and understand how vital their participation is in shaping the future of the cities and communities in which we attend school. It is important to keep in mind that the governance of your municipality can have a large effect on your experience as a university student. From transit to housing, noise by-laws to economic development, to student employment and everything in between that falls under the jurisdiction of your municipality, the decisions your local government makes impacts your everyday life! As a post-secondary student, although you may believe that your vote in your district can be deemed unimportant or irrelevant, I can assure you that your opinions and concerns can and will hold much significance during this upcoming election.
Although sometimes elections may seem complex or overwhelming, it is important to note that you do not need to have an encompassing knowledge of the structure of the municipal system to be engaged or to cast a vote. What you should understand are the candidate’s platforms and visions for the future of your city. You should make the effort to consider the ways in which their platform may affect your experience at your university. This could mean anything from taking that opportunity to speak to candidates when they visit your campus, reading up on their platforms online, or providing your concerns regarding your city to them over an email.
Remember, if you are renting a place in the city that you are attending school in, are a Canadian citizen, and are over the age of 18, you are eligible to vote in the municipal election on October 22nd, 2018. Regardless of how small or how large your concerns may seem, it is of utmost importance to exercise your opportunity to vote and to support those that you believe can truly change your cities’ life for you, your fellow students, and students who attend your school in the future. For more information based on the voting process and your rights as a university student during this election season, please visit: www.ousavotes.ca