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Enpowering Youth in Politics

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A big thank you to Mr. Caddell for taking the time to sit down with us. As Vancouverites, it was a real pleasure to be featured in the Georgia Straight. The piece shares our voting story, the origins of TwinTalk Politics, the challenges of age-based bias, and our hopes for the future of Vote16. We’d be so grateful if you gave it a read—or picked up a copy if you pass by!

Or check it out online: www.pressreader.com/canada/the-georgia-straight/20250807

A big thank you to Mr. Caddell for taking the time to sit down with us. As Vancouverites, it was a real pleasure to be featured in the Georgia Straight. The piece shares our voting story, the origins of TwinTalk Politics, the challenges of age-based bias, and our hopes for the future of Vote16. We’d be so grateful if you gave it a read—or picked up a copy if you pass by!

Or check it out online: www.pressreader.com/canada/the-georgia-straight/20250807

We had the privilege of an incredible conversation with MP Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Federal Green Party. Our discussion spanned a wide range of topics, including the progress Bill C-226 has made in dismantling environmental racism to her thoughts on the recent passing of C-5 and how Parliament should balance efficiency with accountability. Beyond environmental issues, we explored the Green Party’s broader priorities, including Motion M-11 on housing and her vision for a strategy that defines affordability by individual income rather than market rent, alongside her continued support for Vote16 and Bill S-222. To wrap up, MP May recounts her craziest commuting story, reaffirming her commitment to staying environmentally friendly even in the most unpredictable circumstances!

Special thanks to MP May and her wonderful team for this amazing opportunity!

We had the privilege of an incredible conversation with MP Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Federal Green Party. Our discussion spanned a wide range of topics, including the progress Bill C-226 has made in dismantling environmental racism to her thoughts on the recent passing of C-5 and how Parliament should balance efficiency with accountability. Beyond environmental issues, we explored the Green Party’s broader priorities, including Motion M-11 on housing and her vision for a strategy that defines affordability by individual income rather than market rent, alongside her continued support for Vote16 and Bill S-222. To wrap up, MP May recounts her craziest commuting story, reaffirming her commitment to staying environmentally friendly even in the most unpredictable circumstances!

Special thanks to MP May and her wonderful team for this amazing opportunity!

Thank you so much to The Tyee and Katie Hyslop for taking the time to speak with us and for writing such an insightful and comprehensive article.

The article traces our full journey in youth advocacy—from our beginnings to the present and toward what lies ahead for Vote16. Alongside our story, you’ll find the history of the movement, responses to common critiques, and the voices of Vote16 champions from MPs to MLAs across party lines.

If you have a moment, please do check it out:
https://thetyee.ca/News/2025/07/28/BC-Twins-Want-Lower-Voting-Age/

Thank you so much to The Tyee and Katie Hyslop for taking the time to speak with us and for writing such an insightful and comprehensive article.

The article traces our full journey in youth advocacy—from our beginnings to the present and toward what lies ahead for Vote16. Alongside our story, you’ll find the history of the movement, responses to common critiques, and the voices of Vote16 champions from MPs to MLAs across party lines.

If you have a moment, please do check it out:
https://thetyee.ca/News/2025/07/28/BC-Twins-Want-Lower-Voting-Age/

We had the immense privilege of presenting to the Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform at the Legislative Assembly of BC in Victoria, recommending the extension of voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds in local council, school trustee, and provincial elections.

Special thanks to the B.C. provincial government for actively creating space to hear constituents’ recommendations on our electoral system, and to the incredible MLAs for their thoughtful engagement. It was incredibly inspiring to see Vote16 emerge as such a prominent and passionately discussed topic across all ages!

Watch our full presentation (2:14:51–2:50:45):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX4Len388xY

Read the full transcript:
https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Committees/43rd1st/dem/20250716am-DemElecReform-Victoria-Blues.htm

We had the immense privilege of presenting to the Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform at the Legislative Assembly of BC in Victoria, recommending the extension of voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds in local council, school trustee, and provincial elections.

Special thanks to the B.C. provincial government for actively creating space to hear constituents’ recommendations on our electoral system, and to the incredible MLAs for their thoughtful engagement. It was incredibly inspiring to see Vote16 emerge as such a prominent and passionately discussed topic across all ages!

Watch our full presentation (2:14:51–2:50:45):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX4Len388xY

Read the full transcript:
https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Committees/43rd1st/dem/20250716am-DemElecReform-Victoria-Blues.htm

A heartfelt thank you to CTV News and Mr. MacMahon for taking the time to speak with us following the UK’s historic decision to extend the voting age to 16. We’re immensely grateful not only for the opportunity to share our perspective but also for CTV News’ commitment to uplifting youth voices and treating our generation’s concerns with the seriousness they deserve.

Watch the segment and read the article here:
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/should-canada-follow-uks-lead-and-lower-voting-age-to-16/

A heartfelt thank you to CTV News and Mr. MacMahon for taking the time to speak with us following the UK’s historic decision to extend the voting age to 16. We’re immensely grateful not only for the opportunity to share our perspective but also for CTV News’ commitment to uplifting youth voices and treating our generation’s concerns with the seriousness they deserve.

Watch the segment and read the article here:
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/should-canada-follow-uks-lead-and-lower-voting-age-to-16/

Huge thank you to The Squamish Chief and Ms. Lemay-Conway for covering our Vote16 campaign in Squamish: highlighting our speech, our arguments, and the thoughtful reflections and sentiments shared by councillors. Change is happening, one city at a time!

Check out the article here: www.squamishchief.com/local-news/squamish-councillors-believe-16-year-olds-should-be-allowed-to-vote-in-elections-10954585

Huge thank you to The Squamish Chief and Ms. Lemay-Conway for covering our Vote16 campaign in Squamish: highlighting our speech, our arguments, and the thoughtful reflections and sentiments shared by councillors. Change is happening, one city at a time!

Check out the article here: www.squamishchief.com/local-news/squamish-councillors-believe-16-year-olds-should-be-allowed-to-vote-in-elections-10954585

A huge thank you to MLA Bird, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Prince George-Valemount, for joining us in an inspiring conversation on strengthening youth participation in our democracy and exploring meaningful strategies to tackle political apathy.

A huge thank you to MLA Bird, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Prince George-Valemount, for joining us in an inspiring conversation on strengthening youth participation in our democracy and exploring meaningful strategies to tackle political apathy.

Unanimous win at the Squamish Council! 🎉🗳️

With a 7–0 vote, Squamish Council endorsed the Vote16 BC Campaign!

We’re deeply grateful to the incredible Council for receiving us as a delegation and for their leadership, kindness, and belief in youth voices.

Watch our speech (14:25–29:30): https://www.youtube.com/live/Xxuc9nQ0uFU

Thank you for all the support!

Unanimous win at the Squamish Council! 🎉🗳️

With a 7–0 vote, Squamish Council endorsed the Vote16 BC Campaign!

We’re deeply grateful to the incredible Council for receiving us as a delegation and for their leadership, kindness, and belief in youth voices.

Watch our speech (14:25–29:30): https://www.youtube.com/live/Xxuc9nQ0uFU

Thank you for all the support!

Our first time ever on air! Huge thanks to Simi, Mr. Shantz, and Global News for the wonderful conversation. Catch the segment here:

https://globalnews.ca/bc/program/the-simi-sara-show

https://open.spotify.com/episode/04I9DEh5hJeU8DyhaVPAHV?trackId=4KgQ3D90ZBCUkzH1F0CNsX

Our first time ever on air! Huge thanks to Simi, Mr. Shantz, and Global News for the wonderful conversation. Catch the segment here:

https://globalnews.ca/bc/program/the-simi-sara-show

https://open.spotify.com/episode/04I9DEh5hJeU8DyhaVPAHV?trackId=4KgQ3D90ZBCUkzH1F0CNsX

We had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Mr. Pugh from CHLY 101.7 FM to share our journey and discuss the upcoming provincial Vote16BC campaign. It was a truly meaningful conversation!

Check it out here:
https://www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning/2025-07-04-democraticreform

We had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Mr. Pugh from CHLY 101.7 FM to share our journey and discuss the upcoming provincial Vote16BC campaign. It was a truly meaningful conversation!

Check it out here:
https://www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning/2025-07-04-democraticreform

Today, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Ms. Cole and Ms. Jill from the British Columbia Federation of Students to discuss lowering the voting age to 16, as well as their inspiring work advocating for improved education across B.C. We spoke about advocacy, public polling, and the power of student voices in shaping policy.

A huge thank you to BCFS for the meaningful conversation! We’re so excited for what’s ahead and look forward to future collaborations!

Today, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Ms. Cole and Ms. Jill from the British Columbia Federation of Students to discuss lowering the voting age to 16, as well as their inspiring work advocating for improved education across B.C. We spoke about advocacy, public polling, and the power of student voices in shaping policy.

A huge thank you to BCFS for the meaningful conversation! We’re so excited for what’s ahead and look forward to future collaborations!

We had the honour of speaking with MP Niki Ashton, Member of Parliament for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski! In this episode, we delve into a wide range of topics, ranging from fairness and transparency in Canada’s tax system, to tackling offshore tax havens and capital gains taxation. We also discuss her private member’s Bill C-245, which proposes redirecting the Canadian Infrastructure Bank’s $35 billion toward public-interest projects while ensuring Indigenous communities have a direct voice in its leadership! Stay tuned until the end to hear MP Ashton’s story of meeting Yao Ming at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where her fluency in English, French, Greek, and Spanish helped her coordinate for both Team Canada and China!

A massive thank you to MP Ashton and her phenomenal team for this incredible opportunity!

We had the honour of speaking with MP Niki Ashton, Member of Parliament for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski! In this episode, we delve into a wide range of topics, ranging from fairness and transparency in Canada’s tax system, to tackling offshore tax havens and capital gains taxation. We also discuss her private member’s Bill C-245, which proposes redirecting the Canadian Infrastructure Bank’s $35 billion toward public-interest projects while ensuring Indigenous communities have a direct voice in its leadership! Stay tuned until the end to hear MP Ashton’s story of meeting Yao Ming at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where her fluency in English, French, Greek, and Spanish helped her coordinate for both Team Canada and China!

A massive thank you to MP Ashton and her phenomenal team for this incredible opportunity!

We had the absolute honor of speaking with Dr. Jeffrey Green, Director of the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy and Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania.

In this episode, we explore core ideas from his works "The Shadow of Unfairness: A Plebeian Theory of Liberal Democracy" and "The Eyes of the People: Democracy in an Age of Spectatorship." We examine the paradox of democracy, balancing its pursuit of progress with the sobering truth that its ideals may never be fully achieved, and how this tension contributes to youth disillusionment. We also unpack modern misconceptions about representation and the power of the vote, balancing realism with optimism. Shifting to the framework of spectatorship, we dissect its central tenets, from closing the distance between spectators and the political elite, to the tension between the few and the many, and how contemporary tools might echo ancient practices like eisphora and antidosis. Finally, we discuss whether solace is a legitimate democratic need, drawing on ancient plebeian responses and Epicurean withdrawal, and reflect on whether disengagement can, at times, serve as a form of democratic empowerment. Stay tuned to the end to hear how the author of "Bob Dylan: Prophet Without God" tackles the hardest question of all: picking his top Bob Dylan songs. Check it out!

Special thanks to Dr. Green for this phenomenal opportunity!

We had the absolute honor of speaking with Dr. Jeffrey Green, Director of the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy and Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania.

In this episode, we explore core ideas from his works "The Shadow of Unfairness: A Plebeian Theory of Liberal Democracy" and "The Eyes of the People: Democracy in an Age of Spectatorship." We examine the paradox of democracy, balancing its pursuit of progress with the sobering truth that its ideals may never be fully achieved, and how this tension contributes to youth disillusionment. We also unpack modern misconceptions about representation and the power of the vote, balancing realism with optimism. Shifting to the framework of spectatorship, we dissect its central tenets, from closing the distance between spectators and the political elite, to the tension between the few and the many, and how contemporary tools might echo ancient practices like eisphora and antidosis. Finally, we discuss whether solace is a legitimate democratic need, drawing on ancient plebeian responses and Epicurean withdrawal, and reflect on whether disengagement can, at times, serve as a form of democratic empowerment. Stay tuned to the end to hear how the author of "Bob Dylan: Prophet Without God" tackles the hardest question of all: picking his top Bob Dylan songs. Check it out!

Special thanks to Dr. Green for this phenomenal opportunity!

Learned about voting here. Taught voting here. Cast our first vote here. Funny how life works.
#election #govote #canada

Learned about voting here. Taught voting here. Cast our first vote here. Funny how life works.
#election #govote #canada

Today, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with MLA Valeriote, Interim Party Leader of the Green Party, to discuss lowering the voting age to 16. We discussed the newly formed Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform and explored how to strategically advance our provincial Vote16 Campaign in B.C. It was a wonderful conversation—and incredibly encouraging to see MLA Valeriote express his strong support for youth engagement and the future of our democracy!

Special thanks to MLA Valeriote and his fantastic team, specifically Mr. Sidhu, for this incredible opportunity! So excited for what’s in store for the future!

Today, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with MLA Valeriote, Interim Party Leader of the Green Party, to discuss lowering the voting age to 16. We discussed the newly formed Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform and explored how to strategically advance our provincial Vote16 Campaign in B.C. It was a wonderful conversation—and incredibly encouraging to see MLA Valeriote express his strong support for youth engagement and the future of our democracy!

Special thanks to MLA Valeriote and his fantastic team, specifically Mr. Sidhu, for this incredible opportunity! So excited for what’s in store for the future!

We had the honor of speaking with Dr. Lance Holbert, a long-time inspiration behind the direction of our work. He is the Director of the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics (LAIC) at the University of Pennsylvania, a Research Professor at the Annenberg Public Policy Center, and one of the foremost experts in political communication and civic education. In this episode, we explore the role of education in combating youth apathy, the ethical and practical implications of positive and negative political advertisements, the Chaffee principle, and the importance of non-partisan media in an era of polarized sensationalism. We also examine the rise of white, grey, and black propaganda, strategies to counter misinformation & disinformation, as well as Dr. Holbert’s innovative work at the intersection of civic engagement and STEM. Stay tuned until the end to hear about Dr. Holbert’s favourite sports tradition and game to watch at Penn—no surprise from a high school athletic hall-of-famer. Check it out!

Special thanks to Dr. Holbert and the phenomenal LAIC team for this amazing opportunity!

We had the honor of speaking with Dr. Lance Holbert, a long-time inspiration behind the direction of our work. He is the Director of the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics (LAIC) at the University of Pennsylvania, a Research Professor at the Annenberg Public Policy Center, and one of the foremost experts in political communication and civic education. In this episode, we explore the role of education in combating youth apathy, the ethical and practical implications of positive and negative political advertisements, the Chaffee principle, and the importance of non-partisan media in an era of polarized sensationalism. We also examine the rise of white, grey, and black propaganda, strategies to counter misinformation & disinformation, as well as Dr. Holbert’s innovative work at the intersection of civic engagement and STEM. Stay tuned until the end to hear about Dr. Holbert’s favourite sports tradition and game to watch at Penn—no surprise from a high school athletic hall-of-famer. Check it out!

Special thanks to Dr. Holbert and the phenomenal LAIC team for this amazing opportunity!

Take a listen to the importance of preserving Indigenous languages from MP Idlout #canadapolitics #youthpolitics #nunavut

Take a listen to the importance of preserving Indigenous languages from MP Idlout #canadapolitics #youthpolitics #nunavut

Take a listen to Director Antonian‘s thoughts on how the PLTV aims to achieve full voter registration among eligible Penn students by 2028!

Take a listen to Director Antonian‘s thoughts on how the PLTV aims to achieve full voter registration among eligible Penn students by 2028!

We had the incredible opportunity to speak with Director Alyssa Antonian, the director of Penn Leads the Vote—a nationally recognized, student-run, nonpartisan initiative dedicated to increasing civic engagement and voter turnout at the University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, we explored topics ranging from how to meaningfully engage youth in democracy amidst rising voter apathy, to the importance of nonpartisanship in voter outreach and education, to practical mechanisms for navigating misinformation and disinformation. We also got to hear Director Antonian’s reflections on the dynamics of the U.S. election—especially from Pennsylvania, arguably the most contested swing state—and Vote16! And, of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Philly interview without talking cheesesteaks. Take a listen to Director Antonian’s go-to order, favorite spot, and expert tips on how to sound like a real Philadelphian at the counter! Check it out!

Special thanks to Director Antonian and the wonderful PLTV team for this amazing opportunity!

We had the incredible opportunity to speak with Director Alyssa Antonian, the director of Penn Leads the Vote—a nationally recognized, student-run, nonpartisan initiative dedicated to increasing civic engagement and voter turnout at the University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, we explored topics ranging from how to meaningfully engage youth in democracy amidst rising voter apathy, to the importance of nonpartisanship in voter outreach and education, to practical mechanisms for navigating misinformation and disinformation. We also got to hear Director Antonian’s reflections on the dynamics of the U.S. election—especially from Pennsylvania, arguably the most contested swing state—and Vote16! And, of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Philly interview without talking cheesesteaks. Take a listen to Director Antonian’s go-to order, favorite spot, and expert tips on how to sound like a real Philadelphian at the counter! Check it out!

Special thanks to Director Antonian and the wonderful PLTV team for this amazing opportunity!

It’s April—Sikh Heritage Month! Learn how MP Dhaliwal helped make this national celebration possible through Bill C-376!
#canadapolitics #youthpolitics #bcpoli #sikhcommunity

It’s April—Sikh Heritage Month! Learn how MP Dhaliwal helped make this national celebration possible through Bill C-376!
#canadapolitics #youthpolitics #bcpoli #sikhcommunity

MP Desjarlais’ thoughts on approaching Reconciliation!
#canadapolitics #youthpolitics #bcpoli

MP Desjarlais’ thoughts on approaching Reconciliation!
#canadapolitics #youthpolitics #bcpoli

MP Davies’ thoughts on why Canada should lower its voting age to 16!
#canadapolitics #youthpolitics #bcpoli

MP Davies’ thoughts on why Canada should lower its voting age to 16!
#canadapolitics #youthpolitics #bcpoli

Check out MP MacGregor’s story on Bill C-277, the National Brain Injury Strategy!
#canadapolitics #youthpolitics #bcpoli

Check out MP MacGregor’s story on Bill C-277, the National Brain Injury Strategy!
#canadapolitics #youthpolitics #bcpoli

We had the incredible opportunity to speak with Senator Kim Pate in the Senate! In this rapid-fire interview, we explored critical topics, including systemic reforms in Canada’s justice system to prevent wrongful convictions—particularly among Indigenous women—the exoneration of the Quewezance sisters, and Senator Pate’s views on Bill C-48 (specifically, the expansion of reverse onus in bail decisions for repeat offenders). To conclude, we also discussed how youth can play a more active role in shaping the democratic process, especially in our current political climate. Check it out!

A massive thank you to Senator Pate and her phenomenal team for this incredible opportunity!

We had the incredible opportunity to speak with Senator Kim Pate in the Senate! In this rapid-fire interview, we explored critical topics, including systemic reforms in Canada’s justice system to prevent wrongful convictions—particularly among Indigenous women—the exoneration of the Quewezance sisters, and Senator Pate’s views on Bill C-48 (specifically, the expansion of reverse onus in bail decisions for repeat offenders). To conclude, we also discussed how youth can play a more active role in shaping the democratic process, especially in our current political climate. Check it out!

A massive thank you to Senator Pate and her phenomenal team for this incredible opportunity!

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