Each week we鈥檒l uncover some unusual and (hopefully) interesting facts about the city. This week we take on the upcoming provincial election.
1. It鈥檚 happening on May 9, 2017
Don鈥檛 sweat it if you didn鈥檛 know that, they only come around once every four years. Let鈥檚 face it; we could all probably be at least a little more involved in provincial politics. This May, we as voters will help choose the members of the of BC, which is a big deal, so you鈥檒l want to make sure your voice is heard To stay informed, follow Elections BC on , and .
Why are we talking about the election now? Because we want to make sure you so you鈥檙e ready to cast a ballot come May.
2. Registering to vote is super easy
Like, really easy. You can register or update your information right now by visiting聽聽and filling out some basic information (name, address, etc). You can also register, update or confirm your registration by phone. Just call Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683. You can even register right before you vote at a designated polling station. For more info, visit Elections BC .
If you鈥檙e registered before midnight on April 11 you鈥檒l get a Where to Vote card in the mail telling you exactly where and when you can vote.
3. Women couldn鈥檛 vote in BC until 1917
It鈥檚 true, women have only been able to vote in BC for the last 100 years! Voting is a right that tons of people have had to fight for over Canada鈥檚 150-year existence, so hopefully this spring you won鈥檛 miss your chance to cast a ballot. Remember, it鈥檚 not just a right; it鈥檚 a responsibility too!
4. Young people need to step-up!
Oh boy... You hear it almost every election, but seriously, where are the young people?! In 2013, only of registered voters age 18-34 actually showed up to vote. In comparison, more than of registered voters age 65-74 cast a ballot. Come on Millennials, the senior population is embarrassing you.
We could all do a little better though. In the last provincial election, we only managed to get 57.1% of registered voters to the polls. All that said we did a , so let鈥檚 keep it up!
5. There are new electoral districts for this election
A new electoral map was completed in 2015, which increased the total number of constituencies from 85 to 87.聽New districts were added in Surrey and Richmond.
Get ready for the next provincial election in BC by . See you at the polls! #GetOnTheListBC #iRegister
