BY ALEX HO / VP Communications 

As many may know, or not know, the provincial election has been called for April 16th, 2019 which means that we as functioning members of this campus and community must mobilize. It is our civic duty to use our privilege to vote on parties that will lead our province for the following four years. Many impacts can be had on students, young adults and everyone else for that matter. We may not know but political parties are always campaigning on platform points that are important to themselves as well as what they think the people of the province want. Without exercising our right to vote, political parties and government will never do the work that fully represents the interests of its people.

Unpopular Opinion: Students and young adults don’t vote because they don’t care. This opinion comes from those who vote and from past voter turnouts, it shows that young adults don’t engage with the elections as do the older population. The younger generations of this province have a strong voice, together we are able to influence all forms of governance and with that, the future which we call ours.

There are currently four parties that are registered to run in the upcoming election for riding 53 which is Camrose. There may be more in your home riding but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t listen to what the candidates have to say when it comes to policies that will affect the community that you will be part of while away for school. Educating yourself, knowing what you value and making your voice heard is something that all people who are eligible to vote should do. As my close friends from Main Campus and the Get Out the Vote Campaign people say, “If you don’t vote, You can’t complain”.

Many campaigns focus on education policies, minimum wage, taxes and many other important aspects that we don’t see as important until we’re in that position. This Provincial Election, I urge all students to go out and cast a ballot. We have secured an advanced polling station that will be on campus by the reception desk by the reciprocity shelf. You no longer have an excuse to vote, its right at your doorstep! On April 8th until April 12th from 8 am until 9 pm, go vote! Your voice matters!