City of Toronto Launches 'Kids Vote Weekend' to Foster Civic Literacy
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Youth under 18 cast ballots for the 2027 Tree of the Year during advance voting weekend to learn about local democracy.
The City of Toronto hosted a "Kids Vote Weekend" on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, coinciding with the final days of advance voting for the municipal election. The initiative invited children and youth under the age of 18 to visit any of the 50 advance voting locations across the city between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to participate in a mock election.
According to a City of Toronto news release, the campaign allows young participants to vote for the 2027 Tree of the Year from five candidates: Basswood, Paper Birch, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, and White Pine. The city will announce the winner following the October 26 municipal election. The selected tree will be highlighted in 2027 through tree sapling giveaways, special plantings, and other activities.
Beyond the selection of a tree, the program is designed to educate the next generation on the voting process and local democracy. CBC Toronto reporting notes that the campaign aims to teach young people how to engage in civic action. The City of Toronto further stated that the event encourages youth to learn about elections and the mechanics of local government.