During my term as President of the Student Union it so happened that there would be a municipal election occurring, and that recent changes to provincial legislation had enabled many out-of-town students to vote in municipal elections for the first time.
However, few students were aware of their voting rights, or felt educated about the candidates and the key issues.
In response, we established a city wide coalition of student unions throughout the city around a common platform for engagement.
Together we facilitated education efforts by hosting Councillor and Mayoral debates at the Student Union (hosted in collaboration with key local partners), and by developing candidate scorecards based on key issues.
Additionally, we reduced barriers to voting by coordinating sign up stations on campus, and providing accessible transportation to voting stations.
Results:
- Engaged 100 community leaders from diverse fields in campaign kick-off event
- Received significant regional media coverage on student voice and turnout
- Secured on-campus voter registration stations through advocacy to municipal authorities
- Over 400 citizens reached via the Mayoral and Councillor debates
- Student-friendly candidate Waye Mason elected as a new local councillor over long-time incumbent
- Within eight months of the new Council being elected, a transit pass was enacted (a key pillar of the Youthful City platform). Additionally, student voice was heavily involved in the District Budgeting process of newly elected Councillor
Media Links
- DalNews Article: Making Halifax a Youthful City
- Chronicle Herald: Students strive to test council candidates
- Metro News: Student vote could be key to clinching election victory
- Halifax Magazine: Vote Smarter