Host Candidate Information sessions on the current role of Councillor and the governance process in an open forum in the Atrium. Provide online resources on the role with references to the Municipal Government Act. Engage retired or retiring Councillors to share information and stories. Have candidates answer a short survey on why they are running, and post answers on the City's website, in addition to any links to their... more »

In the United States, the 'Rock the Vote' movement hosts events and creates awareness for upcoming elections, candidates and issues, with the goal of getting people out to the polls.

Perhaps we could consider the opposite, a rockin' celebration held after the election, open only to people who cast a vote and received a ticket or unique confirmation number at their polling station.

Moreover, the party only happens if... more »

Provide a mock voting station for youth to use when they accompany their parents to the polls. Provide some information on each candidate with a few youth oriented questions inside the poll.

 

(This idea is submitted on behalf of the participants of the Calgary Public Library IdeaLab Monthly Design challenge, which used this topic as the focus for the event!)

Engaging youth in the civic political process, schools, agencies, or individuals can prepare and implement a campaign around an issue that's important to them in the city. This inspires youth to research and organizes around important issues in the city, and to increase civic engagement from the next generations of voters.

The program would include some kind of granting system to help them initiate a media campaign,... more »

Launch of an Education program to low voter turnout districts.

Undertake a data analysis of low voter turnout districts (i.e. demographic analysis and open data?)

Development of targeted education programs to those communities. (i.e. candidate information created by a third party. Community centers. High schools. University. College. Senior Centres...)

(This idea is submitted on behalf of the participants of the Calgary... more »

Track potential first time voters, and when they vote, celebrate at the voting station. At minimum thank them, ideally find fun ways to acknowledge what could be considered a rite of passage that is publicly celebrated. Whether it is balloons, cake, or a sticker, bells ringing etc acknowledge them. Engage a youth focus group to help come up with ideas about how to celebrate in person, and celebrate online. Consider having... more »

For Calgarians who aren't eligible to vote (children, teens, permanent residents etc.) there could be mock poling stations or activities located in the same environment as the regular poling space to allow practice and engagement.

(This idea is submitted on behalf of the participants of the Calgary Public Library IdeaLab Monthly Design challenge, which used this topic as the focus for the event!)