Nelson residents challenge Canadians to beat voter turnout
Nelson's voter turnout percentage might be tough to beat, as it is often higher than the national average
A group of citizens in Nelson, B.C., is hoping to "get out the vote," by challenging other communities in Canada to top their voter turnout in the federal election.
In nearby Castlegar, resident Brandon Haney is taking the challenge seriously. He admits he didn't vote as a young man. Politics was for others and not a priority, but now — he's changed his mind.
"I think it's important to be involved in the decisions that are being made for the country," said Haney.
Spokesperson for Nelson's ad hoc Community Voter Challenge Committee, Kiara Lynch, says too many Canadians are apathetic about voting and it's young voters they want to target in particular.
"We can see looking at the numbers that over 60 per cent of people over 18 and 24 do not vote. Low voter turnout is something we are concerned about, especially among young people," said Lynch.
Nelson's voter turnout percentage might be tough to beat, as it is often higher than the national average estimated to be 61.1 per cent in 2011.
The challengers haven't set a goal or prize yet, although they are trying to convince TV personality Rick Mercer to record a rant in the winning town.