Election Time! Does Someone You Know Need Help Voting?

Posted by Steve Jones

Fri, Oct 16, 2015

On October 19, Canadians will once again make their way to polling stations all around the country. Regardless of which riding you live in or who youre choosing to vote for, its important to get out and vote. If you know a senior who needs help getting to their polling station or might not remember to vote, here our some tips:

Make a Plan

Youre always more likely to follow through with something if you have a plan. If you know someone who wants to vote but might not follow through, make sure you plan it out together. Think about who theyre going to the polling station with, how they’re going to get there and at what time they are going. Meet with your parent or elderly relatives and ask them if they have a plan.

Register to Vote

The first step to your plan should be registering to vote. Visit the Elections Canada website for more details on registering and finding out the location of your polling station.

Go as a Family or Group

If your parent or grandparent is sometimes forgetful, they might have every intention to go vote but it completely escapes their mind. Dont let this happen. Plan to go together to the polling station and it could be great family experience. Maybe its a grandchilds first time voting and a grandparents tenth, what a wonderful family experience in democracy!

Arrange Transporation

This is one of the most important tips of all. If you know a senior who no longer has their driver’s license or has trouble walking, you need to arrange some transportation.

• Wheel Trans is a good transportation option for seniors. Its cost effective and quick. For our post on Wheel Trans, click here.
• Ask a relative or friend to drive. If youre planning to go as a family or group, you can carpool to the polling station.
• Ask a political party to drive you. Many of the major political parties have volunteers who help drive supporters to the polls. If your senior relative knows in advance which candidate they want to vote for, call ahead and ask if they can offer a ride.
• Walk. Sometimes the solution is easier than you might think. If your older relative is very mobile and the polling station is not too far away, a nice fall stroll is good for their health and for democracy.

Seniors Issues

Before you and your senior relative go to vote, think about the issues. All the parties have clearly stated their policy on healthcare funding, seniors issues and taxes. Talk about the issues as a family and get out to the polls to vote.

For Monday October 19th, heres a recap of the five steps:

• Make a plan
• Register to vote
• Talk to your family and friends
• Arrange transportation
• Vote

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