Victoria - The vote mob phenomenon that swept campuses and computers screens across the country, is now sweeping advance polling stations.This weekend students at the University of Victoria are heading to the poll en mass with a fun action called the “voter social.”
The
UVic Students' Society (UVSS) and Leadnow are organizing free
transportation to the advance polls with a self titled "Shuttlemob"m
which will run all over town from 11:30 - 3:00. After the Shuttlemob
they are hosting a social gathering at the Ledge Pub at 7:30, 1140 Government St, featuring music, food and celebration.
“We
are excited there is so much energy around this election. This weekend
we will translate that energy into votes,” said local organizer, and
current UVSS Chairperson James Coccola. “Our event is just one of over
40 happening across the country.”
The
idea to organize voter socials blossomed out of the desire of young
people to get together with friends of all generations, vote, and talk
about the issues that matter to them for the next Parliament. Leadnow.ca
expects that on Saturday over a thousand people will attend voter
socials.
“During
this election, young people have mobilized around the issues we care
about in an unprecedented manner. We are standing up, standing together
and saying that we’re here to stay,” said Jamie Biggar, Executive
Director of Leadnow.ca. “Youth across the country will make our votes
count. “
“We
know that people are far more likely to vote if their friends are doing
it, and if they think it will make a difference,” said Coccola.
“Voting together is about more than fun, it’s a chance to show that we
are getting out to vote in numbers. We are coming together to say that
we are going to be a strong voice through the end of this election, and
afterwards.”
Students
at the University of Victoria made national waves with their "Respect"
votemob, which has over 16,000 views on youtube. The organizers are
expecting a good turnout at both events.
