‘Make a #VoteDate’ aims to increase voter turnout, especially among young people

A new initiative aims to increase voter turnout, especially among young people.

You may have seen the ad by voteparty.ca in Cineplex theatres.

'Make a #VoteDate' encourages people to bring a non-voter out when they head to the polls.

It features Canadian celebrities Rick Mercer, the band MAGIC!, Michelle Morgan, Ashley Callingbull, and Elena Juatco and runs until June 2. 

Cineplex Entertainment has the donated costs for showing the ad.

Duff Conacher, the coordinator of voteparty.ca and votepromise.ca suggests asking someone if they vote.

“Then, when a voter finds a non-voter, to help them vote because often people use pretty lame excuses for not voting, like they can't figure out how to register. Voters know how to do those things and can help non-voters,” he told on he Mike Farwell Show on CityNews 570 on Monday.

He said politicians can change lives in many ways.

“They decide the cost of everything you pay for and have a big effect on that. And, effect whether the air you breathe and water you drink is clean or dirty, what kind of car you buy, what kind of clothes you can buy, what you're allowed to eat and drink, many of the things in your life,” said Conacher.

“About the only decision you can make that can change the life of a politician is whether you vote for them or not.”

He stressed that people should not take participating in elections for granted.

“I know lots of people can justifiably say because of our voting system 'I'm in a safe riding. The same party's always run.' But, we actually never know when that will change. Even safe ridings have changed in past elections, so there really is no excuse. And, if you don't vote, you don't count,” Conacher said. 

Each election, many ridings are decided by few votes.

Conacher noted that polling doesn't capture what happens in each riding.

“You may find a party and candidate you support. And if you don't, in Ontario, you have the right to vote 'none of the above,' which lots of people wouldn't know about … Declining your ballot is another way to go out and have your voice heard, say 'I don't agree with any of you,'” he said.

Last election, 58 per cent of people voted.

Conacher said young people turn out the least.

“There is research that shows that if you start it as a habit, then you keep it as a habit,” he said.