SJC TORONTO ELECTION EDITORIAL

 

Dear Neighbours

I am a community organizer in the Scarborough Junction Community of Scarborough Southwest.  I have helped organize garage sales, community meetings and community events. I have advocated for our community to local politicians for neighbourhood issues from speed bumps, speed reduction and adding a local crossing guard to development issues like more grocery retail, design concerns, parkland dedication and amenities. Issues the community wanted addressed.

The support of residents is critical for these initiatives to be successful whether it is sharing information, attending meetings and events, volunteering or contacting a local politician about a particular issue.

But the biggest single positive impact you can have on your community and make my job easier is to VOTE!

I have worked on several campaigns in our ward, and I am disappointed to say the data shows voter turnout in our community is very low. 

During the campaign, candidates spend less time in our neighbourhood because with their limited time and resources they must focus on vote rich areas where people turn out to vote.  That means less signs, less canvassing, less interacting with the candidates and less opportunity for our voices to be heard.  After the election, politicians are inclined to pay attention to the neighbourhoods that got them elected, it’s only natural.

So, to get the attention of politicians and to make the job of community organizers and advocates easier, please VOTE!

Early voting is 10am – 7pm from October 6 to October 11 at Warden Hilltop C.C. and Birchmount Community Centre.

Election Day is Monday October 26 from 10am to 8pm.

Make a plan to vote and please vote.  Take a friend, neighbour and family member with you and make it a group event.

Everything you need to know about how, when and where to vote can be found here:

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/