New ads encourage citizens to go on a 'vote date'

Dinner, a movie and a side of democracy.

If you plan on catching a flick at a Cineplex-owned theatre between now and election day, you may seean ad encouraging you to go on a "vote date."

The initiative was developed by the Democracy Education Network (DEN), a national civics education charityco-founded by Duff Conacher, the man behind Democracy Watch.

"A vote date is whena voter finds a non-voter and invites them ... to go and vote with them," he said. "All the research across North America shows the most effective way to increase voter turnout is to actually have voters reach out to non-voters."

The ads are targeted to younger voters, and feature Canadian celebrities such as Rick Mercer, Ashley Callingbull, Elena Juatcoand the band MAGIC!.

While Elections Ontario is also running ads encouraging citizens to vote, Conachersays they aren't effective.

"Their message is usually kind of benign. 'We make voting easy.' 'Go and mark your x.' It just doesn't reach non-voters," he said, adding that the agency refuses to run ads that highlight the right of voters to decline a ballot.

Conacherspoke about his campaign with CBC Windsor and CBCLondon'sAfternoon Drivehost Chris dela Torre Friday.Tap on the player to hear that conversation.