The environment, equality and homelessness were some of the hot topics on the minds of students at Spencer Middle School as they pondered who to vote for in the B.C. provincial election.
As part of the Student Vote program, organized by CIVIX, over 400 students at Spencer Middle, as well as young voters in schools across the Langford-Highlands riding, went to the polls on Thursday (Oct. 17).
At the ballot box, students had to chose between Erin Cassels of the B.C. Green Party, B.C. Conservative Mike Harris and Ravi Parmar of the B.C. NDP.
“To me the NDPs look the best compared to my lifestyle,” said 13-year-old Akaash Purewal, who wore orange to represent his support of the B.C. NDP.
“It’s important to vote just so the wrong person doesn't get elected,” added the Grade 8 student. “So you can have change once in a while, because if nobody voted, it would just stay the same.”
For 11-year-old Adriette Smith, her vote for the B.C. NDP was a show of support for diversity and equality.
“Everybody who is different, whether they are gay or lesbian, they should be allowed to be the true them,” said the Grade 6 student.
Helping people affected by homelessness was also another reason why Smith felt her vote should go to Ravi Parmar, a person she described as someone who is an inspiration to others.
“They should get help with money or finding a proper home,” said Smith. “Or at least getting a chance to get a job so they can actually get a house and get money.”
Climate change influenced 11-year-old Liam Quinn’s vote, who backed Erin Cassels of the B.C. Green Party.
“I felt like the Green Party, the stuff that they were going to do about the environment, inflation and climate change – I agreed with most of it,” said the Grade 7 student.
As well as voting, the Student Vote program also teaches students under voting age about government, the electoral process and guides them to research the 2024 provincial elections parties and candidates.
“The voting numbers for young adults are significantly lower than people in their forties and up to senior citizens,” said Nathan Ambrose, a teacher at Spencer Middle School.
“This program gives students an opportunity to experience the voting process, helping them to know what to expect about politics … so when they become adults, they're actually able to engage and want to be part of our democracy.”
The results of the Student Vote are expected on Saturday, Oct. 19, alongside the results of the B.C. provincial election.
