This is not a moment, it’s the movement
As a post-secondary students, navigating coursework, part-time jobs, and socializing can be overwhelming. It’s easy to overlook additional responsibilities, like voting for the IGNITE Election.
Even though we’re busy as students, it’s crucial to recognize the individuals elected for the IGNITE Board of Directors wield significant influence over your academic experience. The impact they have depends on YOUR choice to cast a vote.
If you’re skeptical about the impact of your vote, here are a few reasons why your presence at the polls is essential when the time arrives.
The ripple effect: every vote matters.
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According to research, among eligible youth aged 18 to 24, only 46.7% cast a ballot in the 2021 federal election.
Low turnout means that issues are only identified by a limited group of voters. This leaves the potential that other propositions might fail to happen, even if they seem like a sure thing. And who knows whether these decisions will affect you or not.
It’s your right: not voting is giving up your voice
via IGNITE
From a young age, you’ve likely heard that voting is not just a right, but a duty we must fulfill. However, this privilege we enjoy today wasn’t always a given. Throughout history, our ancestors fought, marched, and protested for years to secure the right to vote for all of us. Therefore, it’s crucial to honor their efforts by using your vote and ensuring that your voice is heard.
Voting is an opportunity for change
via IGNITE
Voting provides you with the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community. We students face various barriers ranging from financial distress, lack of accommodation, high tuition fees for international students, and more. These issues impact students in different ways, and by casting your vote, you contribute to the discussion on which issues should be prioritized and addressed. Your vote is a powerful tool in advocating for positive change.
Make the most out of your pocket
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When you pay your tuition, you pay for a fee under wellness & security, which is used to better your campus experience.
Through casting your vote you get to decide how YOUR money is spent to enhance your student life. You contribute to the selection of leaders committed to tackling key issues in the community. It’s a chance to hold those in leadership positions accountable for prioritizing and resolving the challenges that matter most to you as a student.
Improve the community
via IGNITE
Make the decision to vote to be the voice for yourself and those around you. By voting, you are directly addressing current issues facing yourself and the students around you. Moreover, you also improve the wellness of the future students who will tread the same path.
Remember, you have the power to improve the academic environment for yourself, the student community and the future generation.
During the IGNITE Election, your role extends beyond the singular self. It is an investment in the prosperity of Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber community that we collectively nurture. So mark your calendars, because voting period starts Monday, March 4th at 9:30 a.m. and closes Friday, March 8th at 4 p.m.
Want to know more about how the Board works? Check out our interview with last year’s IGNITE Board of Directors
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