Make Cory Care: 'Don't be silent,' NDP candidate James Allum tells Manitoban who has never voted

James Allum, the Manitoba NDP candidate in Fort Garry-Riverview, made his pitch for the importance of votingas part of #MakeCoryCare campaign to get a longtime Manitoban more involved in the election

Allumwas spending time with Cory Alleyne, the lifelong Manitoban we're trying to convince to vote for the first time in this month's provincial election.

Allum, who is running for re-election in Alleyne's constituency of Fort Garry-Riverview, said voting was an essential part of being involved with the life of a community.

Alleyne, 37, is a father, homeowner and taxpayer but like 44 per cent of eligible voters, he did not vote in the 2011 Manitoba election. He is the subject of a CBC Information Radio series that hopes to convince him and other Manitobans who haven't voted to participate in this month's provincial election.

A big reason for Alleyne to get involved in this election is his family - his partner Tara and theirson Max.

"Politics is more about voting, and you need to be actually involved in the life of your community or your neighbourhood," Allum told Alleyne.

"I regard that as a political activity. It's community citizenship, on the one hand, but it's also community politics at the same time."

Alleyne previously met with Jeannette Montufar, the PC candidate in his constituency, and Kerri Irvin-Ross, the NDP candidate in Fort Richmond. The meetings have helped Alleyneget more involved in the political process.

"Now that I'm doing this, actually, I'm kicking myself in the butt wondering why I didn't do this, you know, 18 years ago," Alleyne said.

"I think it's been a great learning experience for Cory, and Terra and Max as well," Allum said.

"I think he's realized the importance of participating in the political process."

Allum says that for Cory and Terra, voting and expressing themselves on behalf of their son Max is the most important thing they can do as parents.

"I am starting to care," Cory said."Cory is starting to care. A lot."

Why do you vote?

Share your views on the importance of voting, and help us convince Cory Alleyne and other Manitobans to cast a ballot on April 19. Here's how to reach us:

• Send us a message on Facebook.
• Tweetat usand use the hashtag #MakeCoryCare.
• Email us attalkback@cbc.ca.
• Upload a picture or video to Instagram with your message and the hashtag #MakeCoryCare.