Make it a Voting Party with #nonprofitsvote Week!
by Alexa Briggs, CCVO Manager, Policy & Research
We are very fortunate to live in a place where voting is a right and a privilege that we can enjoy freely. Every chance we get to vote, is a chance to celebrate democracy, and our freedom to mark a ballot. Advance polls are a great opportunity to gather a group of voters; take friends, colleagues, and family members and head to the ballot box.
The provincial election is set for April 16, 2019 but you can vote in advance from Tuesday, April 9 to Saturday, April 13 at any advance polling station. At Advance Polls, you can beat the crowds, and for first time voters, it’s a great way to ease into the process. CCVO is promoting advance polling as #nonproftsvote week – a time for nonprofits to take their teams and people who access services to experience the joys of voting. As a bonus, a group of Calgarians has crowd-funded to be able to give out donuts to people who vote during the advance polls. So, not only do you get to exercise your right to vote, but maybe you’ll get a sweet treat as well!
During election campaign time, nonprofits have an important role to play in voter engagement. As trusted sources of information, nonprofits hold unique positions in communities, and can help inform and empower the people that they serve to exercise their right to vote. Encouraging people to vote is a nonpartisan activity that does not require a great deal of time and resources.
CCVO has put together some tips for voter engagement, and a vote kit with resources to help you make a voting plan. Find a convenient advance poll location on the Elections Alberta website, get voting, and encourage others to do the same!