Editor:
I attended the Voice on the Coast event on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Roberts Creek Hall and was impressed by Lyndsay Poaps.
A dynamic young woman and the youngest elected official in Vancouver’s history, she talked about declining voter turn-out and offered some ideas about how to fix it. She has researched the issue and urges young people to start voting at an early age. A major obstacle is moving around a lot, so having proof of where they live is difficult, but people can register at the polling station. Research shows that if a person votes three times, they will vote for life.
Speaking to the many candidates in the audience, she urged them to raise issues important to young people. Considering that the local level of politics can be the most relevant to our lives, it was a shame that there weren’t more of them there. Some of the ideas I heard forwarded in the evening were bike lanes (we need more), affordable housing, the importance of environmental issues to young people, and jobs. I challenge all the candidates to start speaking directly to youth. And a challenge to us older people — encourage the young people you know to vote, especially the ones who feel disenfranchised. Some of the young people I spoke to want their concerns to be recognized and they enjoy connecting with older people.
To all the younger and especially first-time voters — your vote counts — especially at the municipal level! It’s easy to get to know the candidates — they may even be your neighbours. Find out what they stand for and get out and vote. It’s a great feeling and once you get in the voting habit you’ll find out how easy it is. You can make a difference.
Gayle Neilson, Gibsons
