A pair of four-legged candidates are helping bring some extra excitement to election season in Kitimat.
The District of Kitimat has introduced the Dog Mayor campaign, where the canine candidates Gus and Koko are running for mayor, in hopes of getting young people interested in voting.
Though neither candidate is expected to tackle issues like taxes or road repairs, the dogs are playing an important role in educating children about elections and their importance.
District staff have been visiting local schools in order to educate children about what municipalities do, the process of elections and its significance. Students are also learning that unlike the official municipal election, The Dog Mayor election is open to people of any age.
According to District, over 450 students of different ages took part in the presentation, while the campaign has also gained significant attention through social media and the District’s website.
Gus and Koko are also expected to make a public appearance during the Canada Day Parade on July 1.
“Through this engagement, we are encouraging youth to be a part of the election process,” said Kitimat Chief Election Officer Tracy Tavares. “The goal is to inspire young people to be future voters, and in the process bring out their whole family on election day this year, especially those who are eligible to vote in the actual general local election.”
The campaign comes as Kitimat tries to increase participation in voting. In the last municipal election in 2022 in Kitimat, only 21 per cent turned out to vote.
In order to vote in the formal municipal election, residents must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, have lived in B.C. for at least six months.
