From the Editor: Heading to the polls is crucial this provincial election, voting demands thinking for yourself
This fall semester, we’ve been engulfed in a whirlwind of political activity. From the federal NDP cutting ties with the Liberal government of Canada to the turn of electoral events taking place south of the border, the political landscape of 2024 is history in the making.
However, what’s most pertinent to us British Columbians is the upcoming provincial election, which also saw its fair share of headlines following BC United Leader Kevin Falcon suspending his party’s campaign. This leaves British Columbians with three main parties — the BC NDP, the Conservative Party of BC, and the BC Greens.
I know I’m definitely not the first person to say this, and I won’t be the last, but voting is so important — it’s the bloodline of our democratic makeup and is something that should not be taken for granted.
As citizens of B.C., provincial elections allow each and every one of us to actually have some power when it comes to our government, and the decisions the provincial government makes directly impact our day-to-day lives much more than that of the federal government.
Provincial governments have jurisdiction over health care, housing, and education — three prime areas of issue within B.C. It’s no secret that the cost of housing is through the roof, nearly one million people in the province don’t have a family doctor, and K-12 B.C. public schools are increasingly becoming overcrowded and understaffed.
A poll by the Angus Reid Institute found over one-in-three British Columbians have “seriously” considered leaving the province due to the cost of housing. Last year, B.C. lost about 8,000 residents to other provinces in Canada — an inter-provincial net loss that B.C. hasn’t seen since 2012.
As provincial parties campaign for the upcoming election and promote how they plan to solve these issues, it’s crucial that we learn about each party and their proposed plans. Everyone has a right to vote, and that vote needs to be informed and should align with your personal values and interests.
Try not to get caught up in what your friends, family, or even celebrities and influential figures tell you. Voting demands thinking for yourself — don’t succumb to the pressures and ideals of others.
You can keep yourself informed by staying up to date with local news coverage of the elections. B.C. party leaders had their only televised debate on Oct. 8, which many news outlets have since reported on. Reading up on this coverage is a great way to learn how each party aligns with your interests and where their prioritized issues fall in comparison to your own.
As students, our voices are especially important as the decisions we make help formulate not only the politics of today but that of the future. In the last B.C. provincial election, held in 2020, 45.7 per cent of registered voters aged 18 to 24 voted, which means less than half of B.C.’s youth participated. This is something that needs to change.
Your vote matters, and it does make a difference. The final voting day for the B.C. provincial elections is Oct. 19, so read up on the various parties’ campaigns, make an informed decision, and head to those polls.
