U of R students vote in home ridings in special advance polls

On Wednesday afternoon, a steady stream of students and some staff members chose to register and vote early at special advanced polls.

The pilot project by Elections Canada allows people to cast a ballot for candidates in their home ridings across Canada as long as they prove primary residency with an address and photo ID.

“I actually live up in Saskatoon, but it’s easier to vote down here at the U of R because this is kind of where I’m going to school,” explained  Sheila Fernell.

“It’s absolutely fantastic. Last time I had to go to Saskatoon for the advance polls and it was a gong show to, A, find the advance poll and then, B, find the ridings and do everything. It was ridiculous.”

Mercedes is from Ontario and she agrees that it was a lot more convenient.

 “It made it really easy for me because I’m two provinces away so I can’t really vote at home,” she said.

When asked who they chose to vote for there was a mix of responses, depending on ideology, but all the students agreed that it is very important to exercise their democratic right to vote.

“I think it’s really important to decide who is going to be running the country and how it’s going to be run,” said Benton.

Another voter said it’s especially important for her because if enough young people vote, they could actually make a difference.