Voter Turnout

Elections are just over a month away. I love fall elections... it's interesting to see the new faces who are running first time campaigns. They tend to be the ones you see out and about.

One candidate I spoke with mentioned that we need to increase voter turnout. I couldn't agree more. With a voter turnout rate of 22% it is a clear indication to me that what has worked in the past regarding voting and campaigns ISN'T WORKING ANYMORE.


The perception is that the larger the signage the higher your votes will be. Not the case. We can all agree that engagement is an issue. We need the votes... but the voters can't be bothered. Why is that?? Well, I have a pretty good idea why. We are not relating or communicating in a way that is conducive to a younger generational response. I commend those that week after week are at the public market. But you are only being exposed to a small amount of our population.


Here's a thought, If you want higher voter turn out.... and you WANT a younger demographic taking interest in municipal politics then perhaps you need to engage in a younger way. Here are a few ways you can do that.

Location, Location, Location

Ok I sounded like a realtor for a minute there. But seriously. Where does the 18-30 year olds hang out? Where do teens hang out?? The mall, movies, pubs, bars, high schools, RDC???. Perhaps these are not usual places to campaign but if you want to influence a generation you need to be and go where they are.

What do you wear?

Here's a little secret... if you "dress" better than teens and young adults, they think that you think you are better than them. If you choose to go to these non traditional venues then perhaps jeans and a hoodie would be more fitting. I ran a youth centre in Fort McMurray and always dressed the same as the kids did. It would often be a surprise to the business folk if they asked for the manager or executive director... but I didn't care. My role was to support teens and to do that I had to dress and talk at their level.


Speaking of talk... young people want plain English. "How's it goin'?" Talk TO them not AT them. Don't ask them what they think the issues are.. ask them"What pisses you off about our city?" or "What do you love about living here?" Keep it casual and real. Young people can smell bull shit a mile away.

Social Media

This is the way that our younger generation communicates. Do you have a Facebook page?? Great if you do and if you don't ... well that's sad for you. Things like Facebook are so critical in youth engagement. Keep in mind that if you do not interact with your "friends" regularly then you really are wasting every ones time. Twitter is great for getting your message out. It tends to be a little bit of an older demographic that uses twitter (more over the age of 25) but it's instant and a great way to keep people engaged with your campaign. You Tube is another great tool. Creating short videos and sharing them on your Facebook, twitter or website is a great way to get your message out.

Campaign Team

Just one thought here. How many young people do you have as part of your campaign team? A campaign needs to be balanced. Without a few young people, you will quickly get tunnel vision. You need that younger perspective.

Be Available

If you do not currently welcome open conversation anytime someone has a question for you then you have not only lost their vote but in a young persons mind they are going to say forget this voting thing. Plain and simple

So to wrap this all up. I wanted to provide you with some dates and locations of forums and other means to connect with our candidates. Take advantage of these candidates and call or email them your questions or concerns. How they respond will be a good indication of their commitment to their jobs.

A great website to research the different candidates http://www.electionforum.ca/

There will be an Election Forum put on by the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce
Oct 7 at The Red Deer Lodge from 7-9
http://www.reddeerchamber.com/ and click on events


ReThink Red Deer is hosting Election ReThink at RDC on Sept. 28 from 6:30 - 9.
"Kitchen Table Talks" are designed to go beyond the one sentence or yes or no answers to a more in depth understanding of election issues.
www.rethinkreddeer.ca/events for all the details.