City of Fernie council has accepted a challenge issued by the City of Nelson to enter the Community Voters Challenge.

The challenge is to see which community most increases voter turnout in the upcoming election as compared to the last federal election.

“This fun, friendly competition is designed to boost voter participation and we need you to get out and vote,” the city urges residents.

The Challenge: Which community can show the greatest percentage increase in voter participation over the results from the 2011 Federal election.

Voter participation

How many people actually vote compared to the total eligible voters in that community. This can be expressed as a percentage. By using percentages, communities of different populations can still compete fairly, the City of Nelson explains in its challenge.

The figures will be calculated as follows: Use the 2015 Elections Canada Voters list to ascertain the number of eligible voters in a community the day of the Federal election. Add to this number any voters who register on election day or the days of the Advance Polls, to arrive at an updated number of eligible voters.

Following the election, use Elections Canada figures to learn how many people voted in that community. Calculate a percentage using these two numbers (actual voters / eligible voters). The winning community – the greatest percentage increase compared to the 2011 Federal Election. Adjudication Contest organizers, will study these figures to ascertain the winning community. A prize for the winning community yet to be decided.

“Keep checking our website for updates! Other organizations such as the Fernie Heritage Library have also accepted the challenge! Go Fernie!” the city concluded.

The federal election is Oct. 19.

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