A different kind of campaign is underway in Ajax, and this one is decided entirely by kids.
Ajax Public Library is holding its Library Champion vote, inviting children to practise casting a ballot by choosing a character to represent the library. Early voting opened October 5 and runs through October 21 at all branches, according to the library's official event listing.
How the vote works
Four candidates are on the ballot: Barkley, Bizzy, Sheldon and Dewey. The library has been introducing the characters through its campaign information and social-media posts, so young voters can get to know the contenders before heading to a branch.
The program is aimed at children in Grades 4 through 8, but the library says all ages are welcome to take part.
A drop-in voting event is scheduled for the Main Branch children's area on Wednesday, October 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. Participants who cast a ballot there will receive an “I Voted” sticker.
A practice run for democracy
While ballots are involved, this is not a municipal election. No councillors or school trustees are on the ballot — this is a children's library activity designed to give young people a hands-on introduction to how voting works.
DurhamRegion.com highlighted the campaign on October 14 as a way of introducing young people to voting. Families looking for details on the October 21 event can consult the library's official event listing for the schedule.
For Ajax families, the vote is a low-stakes way to talk to kids about elections ahead of the real thing, and a reason to visit a local branch before the campaign wraps up next week.