The BC Federation of Students’ “Our Time is Now” initiative aims to mobilize students and young people across the province to vote – potentially for the first time – on Oct. 21

The BC Federation of Students’ “Our Time is Now” initiative aims to mobilize students and young people across the province to vote – potentially for the first time – on Oct. 21

“This election is going to be extremely close, and every vote will make a difference,” said Tanysha Klassen, Chairperson of the BC Federation of Students. “Over the next 38 days, student leaders and volunteers will be reaching out to tens of thousands of college and university students, encouraging them to get out and vote by Oct. 21.”

Earlier this month, the BC Federation of Students released a report documenting trends in youth voter turnout over the past decade. Young voters turned out in record numbers in the 2015 federal election, and voter turnout amongst 18 to 24 year-olds increased by over 18 per cent.

Moreover, in the 2017 BC election voters in the 18 to 24 year age bracket increased turnout by over eight per cent, and voted in higher numbers than voters aged 25 to 44.

“Youth voter turnout has steadily increased over the past several elections in BC, and there’s no sign of that changing during this federal election,” said Klassen. “Our time is now – young people are a huge portion of the voter base and we can no longer be ignored.”

More information about the Our Time Is Now campaign, including an online pledge to vote and the Federation’s report on youth voter turnout, can be found online.

The BC Federation of Students represents over 170,000 students at 14 universities and colleges in every region of BC. Together, these students advocate for a well-funded system of post-secondary education in BC that is affordable and accessible for all students.