Voice the Vote sought to increase voter turnout

Less than one in three eligible voters cast a ballot in the last municipal election; as a result of the lacking voter turnout, Voice the Vote is starting up to remind residents to participate in local democracy this fall. 

United Way Greater Toronto and the Democratic Engagement Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University launched Voice the Vote, a non-partisan, community-led campaign working to increase voter turnout ahead of the October 26 municipal election. 

The campaign is putting resources directly into neighbourhoods across York Region, Peel, and Toronto, including: A field team of 15 local organizers who, alongside trusted community organizations, will co-host locally-rooted events that encourage residents to participate in local democracy. This will also include a training series and free print and digital resources that equip community organizations to run their own nonpartisan election outreach.

Voice the Vote has already met with hundreds of residents across the GTA to understand and identify barriers to participating in municipal elections. The conversations revealed that while residents care deeply about issues such as housing affordability and public transit, many are unsure about the role of municipal governments, who makes those decisions and how their voice can shape the policies that impact their daily lives.

“Local democracy is strongest when people have meaningful opportunities to engage on the issues that they care about, from housing to transit to safety and belonging,” said Lori Galway, Director of Public Policy and Public Affairs. “Communities already have the insight and leadership to shape their own future.” 

“Through the Democratic Engagement Exchange, Toronto Metropolitan University brings together academic expertise, applied research and community partnerships to strengthen democratic participation,” said Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University. “Voice the Vote extends this work across Peel, Toronto and York Region, helping residents participate in the decisions that shape their communities and everyday lives.”

Throughout the campaign, Voice the Vote will document and highlight the issues facing residents’ priorities, bringing greater visibility to lived experiences and local issues shaping Communities.

To learn more about Voice the Vote, visit here.