Canadian 2011 Election Sees a Surge in Student Vote Mobs

Vote mobs are showing up at advanced poll stations.

Only a little over a third of student-aged voters went to the polls in 2008’s election. But 2011 may be a bit different, as vote mobs are dancing and chanting their way onto campuses all over Canada.

Just as flash mobs are showing up on YouTube, vote mobs are showing up at advanced poll stations.

Vote mobs take a more social approach to going out to vote. Mobbers show up with their faces painted or wearing their dancing shoes. It looks more like a pep rally or playoff game than a private ballot. But that’s exactly what organizers are hoping for.

The University of Guelph and The University of Victoria were the first schools to make headlines, with their viral videos of their vote mobs garnering attention.

“Young people across this country are hungry for a different type of politics. The event at University of Victoria today shows how committed we are as a generation to regenerating Canadian politics,” said Tria Donaldson, Communications Coordinator with Leadnow.ca.

“All across the country youth are mobilizing around this election, through fun video projects, protests and information tables.”

Visit Lead Now for a list of vote mobs in your area, and links to their Facebook accounts.

Canadian Student Vote Mobs

Schools mentioned: The University of Guelph, The University of Victoria