At some points during the federal election voting period, it was difficult pick your way through the throngs of voters packed into L.R. Wilson Hall to cast their ballot.
Thousands of people showed up to vote at McMaster’s advance polling station during a special “Vote on Campus” period from April 13 to 16. Over those four days, anyone could vote at McMaster, regardless of their home riding. A total of 2,733 voters showed up.
They were welcomed by a polling station team comprising mostly student employees, hired by Elections Canada.
‘Win-win for democracy’ – More about the campus polling station on CBC News
The initiative was spearheaded by the team from the Interdisciplinary Minor in Civic Vitality, Democracy and Electoral Management (CIVDEM).
The turnout was overwhelming, says Political Science professor Karen Bird, who leads CIVDEM. They originally expected only around 2,000 voters.
“Personally, it was so satisfying to see all the students lined up down the hallway, ready to cast their votes,” Bird said.
“It’s well known that youth turnout in elections has historically been low, but it’s fair to say that McMaster students showed up!”
Students from CIVDEM ran a polling station for the provincial election less than two months earlier, and hope to make campus voting a regular practice for elections at all levels.