GUELPH— There are several reasons why students typically don't show up in large numbers to vote in federal elections, says Kiersten Hanada,

The 18-year-old student just finished putting her name on a sticker and adding it to the hundreds of others posted on a display board in Branion Plaza at the University of Guelph. The act of signing serves as a promise from students to vote in the federal election. It also acts as a ticket for students to receive ice cream, apples and cupcakes from the student life group at the school – a little encouragement to bring more students out to cast their ballots.

For many students, it's their first time voting and most don't know how to go about it, Hanada said. Some are scared, some don't know who to vote for, and some are just busy and don't believe their vote will make a difference. This year is the first opportunity she's had to make her voice heard, via voting, she said, adding she was grateful for it.

U of G is one of 40 schools taking part in the Special Voting Rules Expansion project, a pilot project by Elections Canada, aimed at increasing the voting turnout among students.

Elections Canada has set up a polling station at the University Centre on campus and has been rolling through students as quickly as possible. Since the station opened on Monday, there has been a lineup out the door, organizers said.

With proper identification and proof of the relevant address, students will be able to vote in the Guelph riding where students reside, or in their home riding somewhere else in the country. The special ballot setup from Elections Canada will be taking students' votes until Thursday.

Cassie Wever is the coordinator of citizenship and community based learning at Student Life at the University of Guelph. On Tuesday afternoon she was standing behind a table near the cannon in Branion Plaza, giving students high-fives and ice cream for promising to vote. She also quizzed and informed them on the different parties running.

Students are really grateful they're able to vote with such ease, she said. They don't have to go off campus and can vote between classes or any time throughout the day.

"For a lot of students, this is their first time voting and we're trying to make it as accessible as possible," she said.

When she voted for the first time, she said she was taken to the polling station by her parents. For some students, it may be their first time living away from their home city and they may not know what to do to cast their vote. This is where the student life team can step in and guide them.