Community campaign promotes voter participation in Dartmouth North

With a federal election only two weeks away, conversations at The North Grove’s free community meals are focused on the lack of affordable housing, the affordability crisis, and food insecurity. 

“Our Peer Advocates are working very hard to raise awareness about the upcoming election.” says Laura Horn, The North Grove’s Executive Director.  

“They are speaking to people one-to-one every week, supporting them with voter registration, and sharing educational resources in all The North Grove’s programs. We want to make sure people know how to vote, and why it’s important.” 

“Elections are critical opportunities to talk about the challenges faced by The North Grove community.” 

• 86% of residents are renters, highly vulnerable to the effects of the housing crisis 

• 46% of residents live alone, susceptible to social isolation 

• 42% of residents are unemployed or not in the labour force 

• 41% of residents are in ‘core housing need,’ living in unsuitable, inadequate or unaffordable housing 

  
  

The North Grove’s Speak Up! Show Up! campaign is an election tradition in Dartmouth North. During the first awareness campaign in 2016, voter turnout more than tripled - from 2.7% to 7.45%. Similar events have been held for every election, at all government levels, ever since. 

Campaign activities are organized by The North Grove’s Community Action Office, including Peer Advocates; trained community members who help connect their neighbours with services and resources and organize opportunities to act on issues that matter locally. 

A hallmark of the campaign is the Meet the Candidates event, an opportunity for community members to get to know local candidates in a comfortable, familiar environment. The Community Action team facilitates this non-partisan, round-table style afternoon focused on issues and priorities identified by the local community. Every candidate from a registered political party is invited to participate.  

Join us on Tuesday, April 22 from 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Pizza is provided, and we have limited childcare spaces available. Spaces are filling up quickly, so please give us a call to register at 902 464 8234 ext 0.  

Community members can speak with a Peer Advocate at The North Grove’s Drop-in Breakfast on Wednesdays. Contact the Community Action Office by calling 902 464 8234 ext 1019.