Earlier this year, we encouraged Albertans to go to the polls in the Provincial Election. Once again we are calling on all Albertans and Canadians to vote, and to vote with nonprofits in mind in the Canadian Federal Election on Monday, October 19.
After all, we are all impacted by the work of nonprofits. The nonprofit sector includes social services, religious institutions, university and colleges, libraries, hospitals, environmental organizations, health research, cultural associations, legal aid, theatre and the arts, recreation and sports, advocacy, professional associations, and more.
For this reason, we have put together a list of resources to help you vote, to help you mobilize others to vote, and to show why the nonprofit sector is so important this election:
Vote!
- You can vote on Election Day, Monday, October 19, from 8am until 8pm OR by mail by registering before 6pm, October 13. Learn more about these options.
- Find your riding, candidates, and where to vote by putting in your postal code.
- To vote, you’ll need to be registered to vote (either ahead of time online or by phone, or at the polls). You have three options for how to identify yourself at the polls:
- Bring your gov’t issued ID with your name and current address (driver’s license)
- Bring two pieces of other ID as listed online (ex. utility bill, passport, cheque).
- If none of your ID shows your current address, you will still need to bring two pieces of ID, and someone who can prove their name and current address and can attest to your address.
- Party platforms for parties running in Alberta (in alphabetical order):
- Christian Heritage Party (7/34)
- Communist Party (2/34)
- Conservative Party (34/34)
- Democratic Advancement Party (4/34)
- Green Party (34/34)
- Liberal Party (34/34)
- Libertarian Party (19/34)
- Marijuana Party (1/34)
- Marxist-Leninist Party (7/34)
- New Democratic Party (34/34)
- Pirate Party (2/34)
- Rhino Party (4/34)
- Too much reading? We understand. Use Vote Compass to see how your values and opinions compare with the 4 core parties!
Mobilize Others to Vote
#elxn42 Sharing your priorities, concerns, and voice during this election is important – Join the conversation about the upcoming election on Twitter with #elxn42.
#NPVote CCVO has created the first-ever Calgary Nonprofit Democratic Challenge. Join the challenge on Twitter by using the hashtag #NPVote and share the creative ways your organization is encouraging your staff, patrons, members and/or clients to vote. Challenge other nonprofit organizations to participate as well.
Vote Nation Voting is contagious — we know this. If you tell your friends and family you’re voting, they’re more likely to vote too. Add ‘I Will Vote October 19’ to your profile picture with this site. No matter what you are sharing on social media, your message of civic engagement will be included in every post!
Pledge to Vote Try out this CBC election engagement and interactive mapping tool to pledge to vote, share what you care about, and see why other Canadians are pledging to vote as well. Once you have pledged, share the call to action on social media.
Apathy is Boring Apathy is Boring is committed to getting young and first time voters out on Election Day. Visit their website for infographics, information, and tools to better engage these demographics – especially if you or your organization work with young people, immigrants, or marginalized groups.
Nonprofits and the Federal Election
Nonprofits Step Up! The Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) and Samara Canada have created an excellent infographic outlining how nonprofits can play a crucial role in strengthening our democracy. Read more about why they are asking nonprofits to start conversations about: what role does (and should) nonprofits play in democracy? How can the nonprofit sector build a healthier democracy?
Election 2015 Hub Imagine Canada has created this hub to keep charities informed and involved this election with information and resources. Find out why and how this federal election offers an excellent opportunity for charities and nonprofits to promote civic engagement and to talk bold about issues important to Canadians and our communities!
2015 Federal Election Resources CCVO has compiled a thorough list of information, resources, and link to support nonprofits, their staff and volunteers, and their clients with their election engagement strategies. Find it on their website.
Nonprofit Advocacy during Elections Check out Charity Village’s tips for engaging in advocacy this election. As long as your organization’s advocacy efforts are issue-based and non-partisan, elections offer unique and important opportunities for your nonprofit!
Sam Kriviak
Volunteer Alberta