Remember on school field trips how we used the buddy system? “Pick a buddy”, “hold hands with your buddy”, “walk with your buddy”, “where’s your buddy?” The idea was that there’s safety in numbers; things are perhaps less likely to go wrong, and if they do, at least someone’s got your back and can yell for real help if you need it.

Democracy in Canada needs real help. It’s clear that people, a lot of people, aren’t happy with our federal government yet we keep voting the same way. So where’s the disconnect? People speak loudly of change but where are they on election day? Clearly, they aren’t at the polls because it just keeps happening.

Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results is said to be the definition of insanity. Hello, Canada.

So let’s try something new. Maybe you ask your friend/niece/babysitter if they’re going to vote. Maybe you talk about the issues. But maybe they need a little push to actually get out and exercise their franchise. They need a buddy, and that buddy can be you.

Thus is my challenge: Adopt-A-Voter for May 2nd. They don’t need to share your views or even like your politics. It’s your job to make sure they know how to educate themselves and let them cast their vote as they see fit. It doesn’t matter how they vote as long as they vote.

Here’s the kicker: you need to go to the polls together. I mean get in the car, stick their butt in the seat beside you, and drive to a polling place. If they’re not registered (which is likely) help them gather the right paperwork to get a ballot.

See, it’s catching and after they’ve done it once they’re probably hooked for life. They might watch the returns that night or pick up a paper to see if their gal/guy won and they’ll feel like they were part of it. They’ll want to go back for more.

So do it. Adopt-A-Voter today. Maybe things will be different this time.