Voter turnout is dropping in all elections, but it's the lowest at the civic level. In the last civic election in 2011, for example, Port Moody had the highest turnout at a paltry 26%, and the numbers dropped from there, with Coquitlam at 21.7% and Port Coquitlam at 20.8%.
Can we do better?
The Tri-City News hopes so and is launching its #IVoteBecause campaign to get people thinking about the importance of voting in advance of the Nov. 15 election for city councillors and school trustees. Here's how it works.
Step 1 Make a commitment. Take a photo of yourself with a sign that says #IVoteBecause and your reason. Tweet it out at @tricitynews or email it to [email protected]
Step 2 Get Informed: Take a few moments to learn about the candidates running in your city - Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam, as well as the villages Anmore and Belcarra by checking out the videos, bios and stories under the Election Tab on our website or in our Nov. 7 Voters' Guide - and then cast your ballot on election day.
If you don't know where to vote, check out your city's election page. If you're not able to vote on Nov. 15, that's OK, there are advance polling opportunities at each city and village.
Don't forget to bring two pieces of ID, one with your address, such as your driver's license.
Step 3 Vote for the city, village and school board candidates you think will make a difference to your city. There's no requirement to fill out a full ballot.
Step 3
After you cast your ballot tweet us: @TricityNews #IVotedTC #IVoteBecause
Follow this website on election night and read the Tri-City News on Nov. 19 for full results.
