you can vote

The numbers don't lie. Voter turn-out has been decreasing since the '80s, especially among youth. In the 2000 election, only 25% of youth 18-24 years old voted. Many people see this as an example of how selfish or apathetic kids are these days. Some even talk about a crisis, of the pillars of democracy crumbling around us.

To us young greens of canada, these numbers say something about the way politics are changing in our country. They tell us not that youth don't care, but that they aren't seeing the things they care about in the traditional parties. We know that the green party of canada's core values of sustainability, peace and social justice are just what youth are looking for.

how to vote

Voting for the green party of canada is easy!
You can vote if you:

  1. Are a canadian citizen
  2. Are at least 18 years old
  3. Can establish proof of who you are and where you live

This last part can seem confusing, but just means bringing a piece of paper that proves where you live (we're talking to you university and college students).

Here's what you can do:

1. Find your voting station by visiting the elections canada website.

2. On election day, go there!

3. Show id with your name and address (plan ahead to avoid disappointment). Id includes:

A. One piece of photo id that says your address:
driver's license
Health card (in ontario)
other identification card (for non-drivers)

Or

B. Two pieces of id that have your name, with one piece of original (not photocopied) id showing your new address:

ID #1:

  • Health card
  • Student id card
  • Birth certificate
  • Driver's licence
  • Public transportation card
  • Library card
  • Social insurance number card
  • Canadian passport
  • Certificate of indian status
  • Certificate of canadian citizenship or citizenship card
  • Credit/debit card with elector name
  • Canadian forces identity card
  • Employee card issued by employer
  • Liquor identification card
  • Fishing/hunting licence
  • And more

ID #2 (with your name and current address):

  • Credit card statement
  • Bank statement
  • Utility bill
  • Residential lease
  • Income tax assessment notice
  • Insurance policy
  • Government cheque or government cheque stub with elector name
  • Vehicle ownership/insurance
  • Attestation of residence issued by the responsible authorities
    (Shelters, soup kitchens, student/senior residences, long-term care facilities)
  • and more

OR

C. You can even be vouched for by another person who is on the list of voters for that riding and has id with them (e.g. your neighbour, your roommate).

It's really that easy, even if you've never voted before!

Where to vote

You can vote in the riding in which you currently live – that includes students and those who have recently moved. All you need to do is provide a document proving your identity and your address.

Find your riding!

Voting...

  1. Is a fundamental right of every canadian 18 years of age and older
  2. Helps choose someone to represent you where laws are made
  3. As far as democracy goes it's one of the easiest ways to engage
  4. Let's you have a say in how you're governed (unlike with your parents you get to pick the person who's going to try to tell you what to do)

Even though politics and democracy is about a lot more than casting a ballot, voting remains a powerful way to send a message to governments and politicians. And as the momentum of the green party of canada continues to build, we need your vote now more than ever.