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2021 Nudge Campaign
This is a document of possible content that you could share with your institution and its membership surrounding the upcoming municipal election.
It is part of a “nudge” campaign, encouraging Calgarians to vote on October 18th, 2021.
Primarily, this is a project that you and your core team can take on in order to expanding the number of voters in our politics. It has been shown that by voting, and voting regularly over elections, decision-makers alter their choices and engage in those communities that vote. Participation, specifically voting, drives attention and engagement in our politics.
Why?
This upcoming Municipal election represents a major shift in civic leadership with about 9 seats destined to be held by new people. Consider your vote for your local Councillor with care. Each person on City Council, including the mayor, has one vote and one vote only. Therefore, the makeup of council will determine the actions and policies for Calgary for the next for years.
Typically, incumbents at the municipal level are exceptionally hard to remove or replace. This is a once-in-a-generation chance to have the voices of your institution included in the vision for Calgary in 2021 and beyond.
As for why integrating a nudge campaign: either through email, text or in-person, research has shown that individuals who are encouraged to vote multiple times have a higher likelihood of voting. And, when communities vote, their interests are better represented in our political discourse. By have your institution increasing turnout and engagement in our political discourse our society is both better served and issues can be addressed by our political systems.
Campaign Calendar:
- September 20th, Noon: Nominations Close — This date is important because Elections Calgary can then finalize the list of candidates for the election.
- September 20th: Election Day for the federal election (electing local Members of Parliament)
- September 30th, 7:00 p.m. - Calgary Alliance for the Common Good Mayoral Forum - RSVP
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Advance Voting:
- Monday, October 4 to Friday, October 8 (8 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
- Saturday, October 9 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
- Sunday, October 10 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Monday, October 18th - Final Day to Vote - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Print Materials:
- "I Commit to Vote" Card (ActionDignity and Calgary Alliance branded) [PDF] — Email [email protected] for more information.
Specifics:
- Mail-in voting: Mail-in voting occurs when someone has a disability, is ill, are away or otherwise. You must fill out an online form here with Elections Calgary. These special ballots must be received by 4 PM on Election Day (October 18th) at the Elections Calgary office to be counted.
- Student Voting: Voting is available on two days at different institutions throughout the city. Early information (as of August 25th) can be found here.
- When and Where to Vote: Link
Possible Campaign Emails:
The below are some example emails that you can add to your newsletter, or send in addition to your regular newsletter.
Email #1:
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Subject Line: Why your vote, and your attention, matters this election.
Dear friend/First Name, Every four years our city goes to the polls to select a new set of councillors and mayor. This election is a little different: the vast majority of councillors are going to be new, as is the mayor. Right now, your vote, volunteer time, and voice can have a great impact on how this city runs its affairs and works on the issues we care about.
Firstly, we're inviting you to our forum that we're hosting with our allies in the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good on Thur5sday, September 30th at 7:00 p.m. You can view the information for that online forum at www.calgarycommongood.org/forum. Secondly, the Calgary Alliance, alongside other non-profits and organizations, interviewed several of the mayoral candidates. You can find their answers in a joint document that's available here: www.calgarycommongood.org/meet_the_candidates. And, finally: voting is exceptionally easy this election. You can vote by mail, in the advance polls (starting October 4th), or on election day (October 18th). All you need to bring is proof of your identity that verifies your name and address: like a drivers license, statement of government benefits (ei: child tax benefit), a lease, correspondence from a university, or even credit card statements. Picture ID is not required. This election have your voice heard. Signed, Name |
Email #2:
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Subject Line: Not sure if you can vote? Are you missing ID?
Dear friend/First Name, Every election has updated rules on identification that you can use to vote with. In order to vote, you must bring one of the following forms of identification containing your name and current address. Picture ID is not required. You can use a bank/credit card statement, or your residential lease or mortgage statement. What's important is that you prove your address (location) and your name. For students, letters of admission to a college or correspondence from a university is also a way to confirm the identity for voting purposes. Can't make advance voting (October 4-8, 9, and 10th) or election day (October 18th)? Voting by mail is another option, which you can apply to do online here. After filling out your information, a ballot package will be sent to your address. There is also an option to send in a request and pick up your special ballot should you prefer that option. ID shouldn't be a barrier to voting. Every Calgarian should be able to have their voice heard this election. Signed, Name |
Email #3:
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Subject Line: October 18th: Election Day
Dear friend/First Name, On Monday, Calgarians from across the city are gathering in schools, places of worship, community centres, and libraries to decide the municipal election. They're voting on a series of referendum questions, returning fluoridation, electing a mayor and selecting a local city councillor. Voting is from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Calgarians voting at their local designated voting station. You either received a voter information card, or use the City of Calgary application ("Where Do I Vote?") online at www.calgary.ca/election. Signed, Name |
Voting Requirements:
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Identification requirements In order to vote, you must bring one of the following forms of identification containing your name and current address. Picture ID is not required. Government issued identity documents
Government-issue documents
School, college or university documents
Attestation
Other documents
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Advance Voting
Advance voting is great for those with limited mobility, unpredictable work schedules, or those who already know who they are supporting.
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Advance voting There will be several opportunities to vote in advance. The Advance Vote will run from Monday, October 4 to Sunday, October 10, 2021. Voting station hours are as follows:
Due to the pandemic, we encourage people to make use of the various advanced voting opportunities to minimize long lines and accommodate physical distancing requirements at a voting station. (Retrieved July 13th, 2021) |
Special Ballots (mail-in voting)
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Special ballot (mail-in voting) Voters who are unable to vote at their designated advance vote or Election Day voting station because of a physical disability or absence from the jurisdiction, may apply to vote by special (mail-in) ballot, starting on August 3, 2021. |