D.P. Todd was one of several schools in Prince George participating in student voting

By Tommy Osborne

Students vote

What electoral issues matter most to D.P. Todd students?

Oct 17, 2024 | 3:46 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Just days away from the October 19 provincial election, students across School District 57 are taking part in a student voting exercise to learn more about the election process and what each party stands for. D.P. Todd was one of several schools that saw student voters cast their votes, and many of the students enjoyed being a part of this year’s election cycle.

“It prepares us for when we’re legally allowed to vote, so we’re not going in there blind and then just having no idea what we’re doing. I think it’s a good preparation process for us,” said Grade Ten Student Mukisa Jjumba.

“It’s really important that we allow students the opportunity to become involved in the electoral process, so they know what to expect when they’re an adult, and we’re giving them a space where they can explore all the different party platforms and the issues that the platforms, the candidates are bringing forward,” said Social Studies Teacher and Student Vote Organizer Erin Barker.

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Prior to casting their votes students researched the NDP’s, Conservative’s, and Green’s party platforms, as well as who is running in the three respective Prince George ridings. When asked what issues were impacting their voting thoughts the most, several students pointed to affordability and the housing crisis.

“I’m about to be an adult, so where am I going to live? How am I going to pay for a home or buy groceries and things,” said Grade 12 Student Oliver Whyte

“It’s really hard to find a home, and obviously you need a house. I’m in grade 12, so I’m going to need to find a house, right? So it’d be nice to be able to afford one,” added Grade 12 Student Maylin Oberg.

Understandably, education was also near the top of the list when it came to what was most strongly influencing the students’ voting decisions.

“Rebuild D.P. Todd, please, very much so, I need it, it’s terrible. Just improvements all around, better health care system, better education system, things like that,” Jjumba said.

“Education, health care is what I’m looking mainly at. Also, just what they’re going to do with their power that they’re given now, how they’re going to lead this province,” Grade Ten Student Elijah Hyun said.

While the student vote of course won’t count for the real election results, the students still believe it was great to be a part of the electoral process.

“It’s a great starting point, and it’s great to know beforehand and be prepared for it,” Hyun said.

“If you don’t know how to do it, you’re going to be really overwhelmed when you actually have to do it. So it’s good to like have a test run,” Oberg added.

Barker added she was impressed with the level of research and preparation the students did in the lead up to the vote, saying their knowledge of each party’s platform was impressive and lead to an informed vote.

“We have been having daily conversations about what the parties are offering and what’s coming out in the news. So it’s just been a fantastic opportunity for them to see what’s going on in the world around them,” Barker said.

“The kids have been really engaged with this process, and that brings me great hope for our future voters,” she continued.

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