Calgary – After being told in July by Elections Calgary that campuses would not receive ‘Vote Anywhere’ or election day polls, Elections Calgary has reversed course and will now be offering on campus voting for students, regardless of which ward they live in.
The Returning Officer has confirmed that four post-secondary institutions, including UCalgary, will receive two days each of on campus voting during the advance vote period ahead of the October 18th municipal election.
“This is a big win for students. Without advocacy from the SU and the Calgary Student Alliance we know that Elections Calgary would not have offered on campus voting at all. I would like to thank the Returning Officer and Elections Calgary for working with us to find a solution that doesn’t leave students behind when it comes to voter accessibility.” – SU VP External, Marley Gillies
While the polls will be on campuses for less time than they were in 2017, they will nonetheless help to engage students in the voting process by making it easier for them to participate in electing a new city council. The SU will continue its advocacy to ensure a full return to ‘vote anywhere’ advance voting in the next municipal election.
Student advocacy efforts received strong support from City Councillors and election candidates, alike. We extend our gratitude to Evan Woolley, Druh Farrell, Jeff Davison, Jyoti Gondek, Brad Field, and Jan Damery. We offer them our thanks for their support and their willingness to stand with us to make this important call for change.
“Students should know that they have elected officials and candidates in their corner when it comes to issues like this. The SU and CSA received tremendous support from elected officials and those running for elected office. Advocacy may take time, but it can lead to change and this situation is a prime example.” – SU VP External, Marley Gillies
The SU will now turn its attention to encouraging students to vote and will run a strong Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaign to encourage students to take advantage of the accessible voting they now have access to.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Mike Brown
External Communications Specialist
University of Calgary Students’ Union
Cell: 403-560-0577
Email: Michael.brown1@ucalgary.ca