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88 youth to be hired for Richmond’s October election

They may be too young to vote, but Richmond youth looking to get involved in this October’s municipal election can be hired as an election official through the city’s “Youth at the Booth” program.
Ballot box
Elections Canada ballot box

They may be too young to vote, but Richmond youth looking to get involved in this October’s municipal election can be hired as an election official through the city’s “Youth at the Booth” program.

New this election season, 88 youth aged 15 to 18 will be hired to help voters navigate the voting place. Youth at the Booth members will gain work experience and be exposed to the ins and outs of election day.

“The Youth at the Booth Program is new to Richmond, and one way to involve future voters in our electoral process,” said David Weber, chief election officer in a press release. “This will be a great opportunity to expose young people to the electoral process.”

The goal of the program is to involve future voters at a young age, with the hopes of increasing their interest in voting when they turn 18.

According to the City of Richmond, in 2014, 20 per cent of eligible voters between the ages of 18 to 30 voted. The overall voter turnout rate in Richmond was 32.4 per cent.

Eligible voters can cast their ballot for the 2018 municipal election between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on advanced voting days of Oct. 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 or on general election day on Oct. 20. More information about eligibility and voting places is available at richmond.ca/elections.