The Sierra Youth Coalition is shocked by recent political party interference in voting at the University of Guelph. The Conservative Party of Canada is currently challenging the validity of student votes cast during a special advance poll on campus — a standard practice during elections. In addition, stunning allegations have been made that members of the local Conservative campaign actively interfered with voting and possibly even with the ballot box itself on Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

Voting is the fundamental right of a democracy. Youth are being told by us to vote, that the way to be heard is to cast a ballot. Thanks to the actions that have taken place at the University Guelph, that message has become “If we don’t like what you’re saying, your vote doesn’t count.”

The youth of Canada are tired of fighting. We want action. Action on climate change. Action on student debt. Action on human rights. We want protection for the environment, more accessible universities, net neutrality, equal rights for all Canadians and proper representation. Unfortunately, on the whole, Canada’s major political parties are barely mentioning any of these issues.

While we are tired of fighting, that doesn’t mean we will stop. The future of this country belongs to us, and we will continue to speak out to protect it. The question is, who amongst you will listen?

For more information, please see the articles published in the Guelph Mercury and The Toronto Star.