Local Port Hope resident Miranda Lukaniuk has taken her own initiative in spreading voting awareness by putting up a cheeky lawn sign that says “Vote or Float” – referencing Stephen King’s novel IT.
“I have always had a passion for democracy since before I was legal age of voting. Working for elections Canada and Ontario as a DRO, I have seen how little people come out to vote. I noticed long lists of registered voters barely showing up. Even the ones that did, were asking me questions about the names on the ballots that I was not legally allowed to answer. This has always concerned me every election. ”
In 2008 Canada had its lowest voter turn out in history at 58.8%. However, the voter turnout in the 2015 federal election at 68.5%, was the highest turnout since 1993.
Lukaniuk wanted to make and order a high quality sign for herself online with this image on it, but she had to order a minimum amount to have it shipped. So she reached out to some friends who were also interested and an order was placed.
” I didn’t realize that so many people would like the sign, even offering money for them, and asking if I had buttons and t shirts! ”
Lukaniuk has sold the signs and will be forwarding the proceeds for her birthday event fundraiser “Masterbate 4” that benefits the Alderville First Nation Woman’s Shelter http://akgshelter.ca/.
The festival is a burlesque film theatre comedy art show that she does every year to raise money for charity.
It will showcase different performers and a political comedy sketch about the elections.
For more information go to masterbatefestival.com
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
