The truth is, not enough people come out to vote in civic elections. Voter turnout in the last municipal elections, hovered around a mere 30%. And yet, some of the most important decisions governments make – around things like public education, policing and public safety, and roads and bridges – are made at the local government level.
Our democracy is hungry for public participation. Let’s feed it.
The Broadbent Institute, supported by Vancity and in partnership with FarmFolk CityFolk and other community-based organizations, launched a campaign today to encourage voter turnout in the municipal election throughout Metro Vancouver. The non-partisan initiative, based on the idea that civic engagement thrives where people gather, invites businesses to get involved in their community in a new way.
Participating businesses include Fable, Choices Markets, Wild Rice, Earnest Ice Cream, Chambar and Central City Brewing + Distilling, among many others. “Feed Democracy is about our role as business owners in encouraging our customers to exercise their democratic right to vote,” said Erica Bernardi who, along with Benjamin Ernst, was looking for a way to raise awareness about voting amongst their customers at Earnest Ice Cream.
Feed Democracy builds on the idea that civic engagement thrives where people gather. People build strong and lasting relationships with owners and employees at their local coffee shops, restaurants, breweries and more –and in turn, local business owners get involved in their communities. To find a participating local business, click here or look for this sticker on the storefront of businesses in your neighbourhood. It’s simple: Eat, Drink, Vote.