Bumble launches initiative to encourage young Canadians to get out and vote

In a recent poll about politics and relationships, 74 per cent of young Canadians admitted to knowing someone who doesn’t vote.

Today, Bumble announced the launch of the “I am a voter” badge, an initiative meant to encourage young Canadians to get to the polls for the upcoming federal election. Users can add the badge to their Bumble Date and Bumble BFF profiles to let matches know they are committed to casting a ballot on October 21.

In addition to the badge, Bumble has partnered with the non-partisan organization, Apathy is Boring, which works to educate all youth about Canada’s democracy. For every user in Canada that adds the “I am a voter” badge to their profile, Bumble will make a donation to Apathy is Boring—up to $10,000—to support their work on educating future generations of voters.

“Canadians between the ages of 18 and 38 are the country’s largest group of eligible voters in this election and it’s partnerships like this that allow us to bring our message to a wider audience through Bumble,” said Caro Loutfi, Executive Director of Apathy is Boring. “We are committed to making it as easy, meaningful and fun for young Canadians to get out and vote this election. The voter badge on Bumble is a simple way to show your prospective partners or BFFs that you’re a proud voter.”

In a recent poll led by Ekos Research Associates Inc. targeting Canadians between 18 and 38, 74 per cent of Canadians revealed they know someone who doesn’t vote. 46 per cent said they try to persuade that person to get to the polls, and 9 per cent answered that they respect that person less.

When it comes to politics and dating, 20 per cent would not date someone who did not vote while 26 per cent feel that politics should be a regular point of discussion in a relationship. Only 8 per cent said they’d rather keep politics out of a relationship. Regardless of political leanings, 58 per cent engage in political conversations with a friend even if they have different beliefs.

“We want Bumble users to feel empowered in every part of their lives, and that includes in the polling station,” said Meredith Gillies, Canada Marketing Manager for Bumble. “Through our partnership with Apathy is Boring, we want to use our network to amplify their mission  and remind users to show their pride in being a voter. We hope the “I am a voter” badge sparks some (civil!) conversations with matches on the app and ultimately serves as a reminder to get out and vote on October 21.”

In addition to the “I am a voter” badge and partnership with Apathy is Boring, Bumble will be popping up with voter activations in Toronto (King and Spadina) and Vancouver (CF Pacific Centre) on October 5. The activations will encourage residents of both cities to talk about the election issues that matter to them and aims to be an interactive reminder to vote on election day. Participants will be able to register to vote onsite at each location. 

*Source: Bumble Canada Press Release. September 23 2019.