Poll clerks Amy Rathgeber and Jessalyn Svendsen helped gather student ballots at Osoyoos Secondary School. Submitted photo.
By Dale Boyd
Osoyoos Times
At least one poll is closed as about half the students at Osoyoos Secondary School cast ballots in a mock election on Oct. 17.
Alison Rempel, Grade 10 student, acted as Deputy Returning Officer. She was in charge of ensuring votes were properly cast and was joined by fellow Grade 10 students and poll clerks Amy Rathgeber and Jessalyn Svendsen, who made sure each student got a single vote and managed the voter list, guiding students through the process
“It was surprising how many people actually voted,” Rempel said. “It was pretty much if you wanted to vote, then you went and voted, and quite a few people did.”
Over 100 students, roughly half of the student population, voted in the mock election including Tanisha Gill, Grade 12 student.
“I’m a year away from being able to actually vote. So it was nice to see how the process works and everything. I also liked that my opinion was being heard,” Gill said.
The results of the vote cannot be released per Elections Canada rules preventing student votes from influencing the election. Gill wouldn’t let it slip who she voted for, but it was clear one of the top issues on student’s minds was similar to that of voting-age adults.
“I think a lot of votes depend on who has the best climate change plan,” Gill said. “I think it’s something most of us care about.”
The results of the student election will be announced next week.
