11. How to Get Involved with a Political Party


Workbook Page 38

Why Join a Political Party

Only party members can vote for who will be the leader of most parties. The leader has a lot of power to say what will be important to the party. In places where one party is very popular, but the race for party leader is tight, your vote may have more impact on who is the future leader of the government in the leadership race than in the election.

The other reason to join any political party is to have a say in the party platform. If there are no party members who are poor or have disabilities, the party platform may not talk about these issues or it may include some bad ideas about them.
The party platform is what the party says is important and thinks should happen.
As a party member, you can go to meetings and educate other members about what it is really like and what would help make life better for people like you.

How to Join a Political Party

You can get a membership form from the local office of the party you want to join or from their website. Fill out the form with your name, address, phone number and your constituency (riding). Party membership usually costs $5 for the year. If you use the online form, you will need an e-mail address and a credit card to pay for the membership. You can pay cash if you go to the party office to join.

How to Have a Say
A candidate wants to be elected to the government.

As a party member, you will get invited to meetings and other events. Some, like dinners, cost money. Others are free. A good way to have a say is to
  • Go to party meetings and share your story with other party members and leaders
  • Ask party leaders and candidates what they will do about issues that are important to you
  • Volunteer to help with meetings, events and election campaigns. Tell other volunteers your story.

Funny Facts about Being a Party Member

  • You do not have to agree with the party platform to be a party member. You can join a party just to have a say when they elect a new leader.
  • You do not have to vote for the party you belong to in an election.
  • You can be a member of two or more parties at the same time.
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