Yukon Youth Want!

Yukon Youth Want is a project BYTE has been running since as long as we can remember as an organization!

BYTE in it’s 20+ year history has always had youth and youth programming at the heart of it’s core mission values. Youth are literally why we exist as an organization. The majority of our programming happens outside of Whitehorse in different parts of the Yukon, as well as the Northwest Territories (Beaufort-Delta region) and Atlin, BC.

With Yukon Youth Want we strive to continue listening to youth but help bridge the gaps between them and those in positions to affect policy and change.  We want to ensure that youth have the platform to have their opinions heard and considered by politicians and decicion-makers at every level of government. Specifically we collect input from youth and deliver it in ways for politicians (and other) to respond to.

Check out more photos of our #YukonYouthWant campaign here or at the bottom of this page!

BYTE’s 6 Steps to Youth Voter Success 

1. Who can vote?
You are eligible to vote if you are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age, and have been a Yukon resident for the past 12 months. Make sure you’re registered to vote! If you aren’t, add your name to the list by contacting Elections Yukon or your local Returning Officer. You can also add your name to the list when you show up to vote – just bring your ID!

2. What do I need?
All you need to vote is your government-issued ID: fishing, trapping, or hunting license, general ID card, healthcare card, driver’s license, or vehicle registration; OR two pieces of the following (one must have a current address on it): bank statement, birth certificate, camping/burning permit, credit card statement, certificate of Indian Status, Champagne or Aishihik government ID card, First Nations government ID card, charitable donation tax receipt, citizenship card, credit/debit card, employee ID card or pay stub, government benefits statement, income tax document, lease agreement, letter/attestation from the Chief of a First Nation, library card, membership card (health club, retail outlet, etc.), passport, student ID card or correspondence from a school/college/university, utility bill, etc.

Note: If you don’t have authorized ID, you can appoint a listed vouching elector, or you can sign a declaration at the polling station. Also, if you don’t have a fixed address, attestations of identity can be obtained from the Salvation Army and other locations (full list to come.)

3. Where do I go to vote?
Polling station information can be found on the Elections Yukon or Elections Canada websites, depending on the election.

4. How do I vote?
Depending on the election, you may be have a specific electoral district. Firstly, know which electoral district you live in. It’s super easy – use this map to zoom in on your location, and it’ll give you your district number (just like the Hunger Games… jk.) Next, educate yoself! Learn as much about the candidates and their parties, platforms, and values as you can so you can make an informed decision. If you’re totally confused and don’t know where to start, check out our friends at Future Majority!

Then, just show up to your polling station with your ID, get your ballot, and do the thing!

Note: If you’re going to be out of the Yukon, no worries. You can request a special ballot, appoint an elector from your district on your behalf, or appoint a political party to vote on your behalf.

5. Why should I vote?
Because your voice matters. Because what Yukon Youth Want is important. Because young people make up 40% of the electorate in the last federal election. Because we have the right, freedom, and liberty to vote when so many around the world don’t. Because we can help shape the Yukon that we want to see for our future.

If you’ve got more questions about voting or the election, give us a shout at 867-667-7975 and we’d be happy to help!