LETTER

Take the Voter Pledge! 

 

In 2015 we have the chance to elect a new Canadian government. And if you're like me, you believe it's time for a change. I feel optimistic that the next government could be one that reflects our progressive values. I've been spending a lot of time thinking about how you and I can make sure that's the case. I keep coming back to one startling fact: In the last election, 9,434,184 eligible voters in Canada didn't cast a ballot.  Over 9 million people didn't vote. Nine million!

 

Meanwhile the Harper Conservatives won their majority with a margin of just 6,201 votes. Research shows that those 9 million non-voters would have been more likely to support progressive candidates. Can you imagine what the last four years would have been like if just a fraction of them had voted? In 2015 I'm resolved to do what I can to motivate more of my fellow Canadians to vote.  I'm proud to be the first to take the Council of Canadians Voter Pledge.

 

It couldn't be simpler: Pledge to vote in the upcoming election, and challenge two other people to do the same. Do you have friends or family who might be first-time voters in 2015? We know that young people – who aren't sure where or when to vote, who are busy trying to juggle school and work, who don't feel informed enough about the issues – are the least likely to vote. Challenge them to take the Voter Pledge!

 

This multiplier effect has the potential to be a game-changer. If you and every supporter I'm emailing today challenge two new voters, and those people in turn challenge two new voters, we'll mobilize over 600,000 first-time voters – and together we'll elect the new progressive government we all need and deserve.  But it only works if we all do our part.

Join me in taking the Voter Pledge.

 

Maude Barlow

Council of Canadians

Ottawa