About 76 percent of eligible voters participated in the 2021 federal election in Canada—and that’s considered a strong turnout compared to previous elections. Participation drops drastically for local elections, with an average of 61.1 percent turnout in municipal elections across Canada.
With a minority government, Canadians could be headed back to the polls anytime—with many likely voting by mail for the first time due to current circumstances. We have some tips to encourage voters to cast their ballot. And we offer volunteer thank-you gifts to show appreciation to everyone who makes the process go smoothly.
When, where and how
Even when voters know an election is coming, there can be barriers to participation. Voting locations and voter ID rules sometimes change between election cycles, something people may or may not realize when they head to the polls. Or, if they will be casting their vote by mail, they will need to arrange to do so in advance. Help keep voters up-to-date by sending them a postcard that reminds them of upcoming elections, polling locations, how to vote by mail and where to find more information. And post a banner outside polling places to help voters find their way on election day.
Post-voting swag
The “I Voted!” sticker first gained popularity south of the border in the United States in the 1980s to get people excited about voting. Here in Canada, voters could receive “It’s Our Vote” stickers during the last federal election, though sadly many polling stations ran out before everyone who wanted one could get one The goal was to remind people who hadn’t yet voted to head to the polls. With a wide variety of shapes, sizes and types available, you can offer voters bragging rights with voting swag like an oval sticker or a flashier foil sticker.
Thank-you gifts
Election day brings a great deal of excitement as voters determine the course of government for the coming months and years. But the day can also be filled with questions and a need to adhere to changing voter laws. Thank your election day volunteers for their many hours of service with volunteer thank-you gifts, like a fleece blanket or an tumbler with straw.
The more voters, the better
Knowing how to encourage people to vote can help citizens cast their ballots and choose representatives that truly represent their needs. No matter who wins, more votes is a big win for everyone.