Voting in advance is getting easier for the local community, with a student-run polling station setting up right here on campus.

During advanced polling from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, a polling station in L.R. Wilson Hall will be open to eligible voters from Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas.

The polling station will be run by students employed by Elections Ontario as part of an initiative spearheaded by the team supporting the Interdisciplinary Minor in Civic Vitality, Democracy and Electoral Management (CIVDEM), with support from Wilson College and the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The initiative demonstrates the McMaster community’s commitment to mobilizing the youth vote, says Joanna Massie, project director of CIVDEM.

“Youth participation in our elections is concerningly low, but we want to show that young people are engaged in politics and can make a difference,”  Massie says.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for students and the local community to vote. Whether you’re going between classes or need a break from studying, come down to L.R. Wilson Hall to cast your vote.”

What you need to know

When

The polling station will be open throughout the advance polling period, Feb. 20 to Feb.22, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in LRW1003 (the Community Room).

You will need

• Valid ID with your name and address; or
• A provincial Voter Information Card along with valid ID with your name.

To vote at the university advance polling station, you must be 

• 18 years of age or older on election day
• a Canadian citizen
• a resident of Ontario
• eligible to vote in the Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas riding.

The best way to find your riding is to register to vote before Feb. 17. You can do that on the Register to Vote website.