Some feel their vote is wasted, when voting for the underdog party in their riding. Others take matters into their own hands, and register for vote swapping.

Pair vote (vote swapping) was created to give people back their power at the ballot box. According to the votepair.ca website, vote swapping is “an entirely legal mechanism whereby voters from different ridings agree to voluntarily ‘trade’ votes in order to help get their preferred party represented in Parliament.”

This movement started in Canada as a means to bring attention to the need for voting reform.  It was started after seeing the same efforts made in the US election.

According to Elections Canada, it has always been possible for two people in separate electoral districts to agree to vote for each other’s candidate with the aim of influencing the overall election results. These agreements would be private and secret in nature. It is therefore impossible to say whether they have ever influenced an electoral event or even whether they have been honoured.

As described by votepair.ca, the voter tells the organizers what party you want an effective vote for, and which second, third or other parties you would consider voting for in order to get that effective vote.

“For instance, an NDP member in a riding where they run distant third should consider swapping with a Liberal in a close riding where Liberals run third.  In that way, the competitive NDP candidate and competitive Liberal candidate each gain one vote and their chances of winning increase.”

According to Elections Canada, social networking sites became a popular medium in the 40th general election for political discussion during and between electoral events. They offer the opportunity for larger-scale vote swapping, especially between groups of individuals in electoral districts with tight races.

Elections Canada informed media outlets that encouraging electors to vote in a particular way is permissible under the Act, as is inviting electors to participate in organized strategic voting plans. They also cautioned that electors could be misled by such plans. If the person influencing their vote acts under a false identity, that would be an offence under the Act. It is also an offence if money or any other material benefit is exchanged as part of a voting arrangement.

Online services are available to match you up with another voter, as well as a simple web search. Many sites are available to visit including Facebook pages, and pairvote.ca.

By Ally Dunham