This election is shaping up to be one of the most important in Canada’s history – watching the horrific disaster that is unfolding in the United States with the continual threats of making Canada the 51st State has many on edge. And as we bear witness to the creep of Trump-style politics entering into Canada, it is absolutely essential that everyone has a say in this important upcoming election.
Looking around online, it is evident that so many others are feeling this way, too. Advance polls saw a record-setting 7.3 million people get out to vote, and in so many online groups we’ve noticed neighbours helping neighbours get to the polls – whether it’s offering transportation or childcare, people are coming together in community to support each other in exercising their fundamental right to VOTE.
Our friends at Climate Action Network shared the Ask 5+ resource via Impact Voters with us and we felt this was something that would resonate with our community. This is the climate movement’s opportunity in the final days of the election to ask “5 or more” friends and family to vote: and it’s proven to increase turnout by an average of 5.09 voters per asker.
Impact Voters will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, April 23 online: JOIN THEM!
Using your personal networks to turn additional voters out to the polls is incredibly powerful. “Asking 5 or more people to vote” is proven to turnout an average of 5.09 voters per asker. WOAH. Here’s how to participate 👇
Three simple steps to Ask 5+ (plus one bonus one)
- Contact 5+ friends or family members
2. Remind them about the importance of the upcoming election
- Discuss the issues at stake, share why you are voting
- Encourage them to vote during advance polling
- Give them a heads up: it might be BUSY at the polls come election day. People waited in long lines for advance voting.
- Remind them that workplaces by law have to give three hours off on election day to vote
3. Follow up with the people you contacted to ensure they voted. Offer to help them with transportation or childcare if you can! Ask if they need help putting together the necessary documents they need to bring with them.
4. Bonus: after they commit to vote, have them pass it on and reach out to 5+ additional people. Copy and paste this link to send them the instructions: https://act.gp/441gEHj
Help them brainstorm who they could ask: who is forgetful, who is late, who might not pay attention to the news.
Need more support before heading to the polls, and maybe after, too? Check out these two upcoming online webinars from our friends at On Canada Project:
>> Figure Out Your Unique Role In Protecting Democracy & Humanity 💓🦸🏽♀️ April 24, 5:30PM EST
>> Post Elxn Feel The Bern | How Are We Feeling? April 29, 6:15PM EST
Head to Elections Canada to for more information and to locate your polling station.
