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B.C.-wide student campaign launched to get young people to the polls

The BC Federation of Students (BCFS) has launched a campaign to encourage young people to vote in the upcoming provincial election.
student voter
A young person with a vote sign. Photo: Getty Images

The BC Federation of Students (BCFS) has launched a campaign to encourage young people to vote in the upcoming provincial election.

“Take It Over” aims to mobilize students to show up at the polls by ensuring those young voices are heard throughout the election campaign, according to BCFS, a coalition of student groups representing more than 375,000 post-secondary students.

“With young people around the globe advocating for climate action, racial justice … accessible education, it is abundantly clear that young people are passionate about their community and their world, and this passion will translate to votes,” said the BCFS in a media statement.

According to BCFS, the 2017 B.C. election voter turnout among young people ages 18 to 24 increased by more than eight per cent – surpassing the number of voters ages 25 to 44.

“With party platforms focusing on economic recovery, young people should not be left out of the equation,” the statement continues.

Jeremy Law, a student representative of the Kwantlen Student Association, said there has always been students who are “very much involved” in elections and politics, but there are also those who feel “discouraged” because they feel their vote doesn’t matter.

“Student issues should have a part on the agenda of the government, politicians and people who have the power to make policy changes,” said Law.

Those “student issues” include affordable housing, education, jobs, anti-racism initiatives and the environment, he added.

“If students can understand their voices and issues are important and addressed, they will more than likely go to the polls.”

The BCFS is comprised of students from 15 post-secondary institutions in every region of the province. They advocate for a well-funded system of education in B.C. that is affordable and accessible for all students.

For more information on the campaign, visit Takeitover.ca/