Political parties are formed because a group of people
have similar ideas about the major issues affecting people in a democratic
society. They organize to get elected and form a government so that they
can put their ideas into practice. In fact, joining a political party is
the most effective way for you to influence parties and politicians because your
voice will be heard when policies are being formed or reviewed, while in an
election campaign candidates concentrate on promoting policies that are already
largely in place.
Students, even though not old enough to vote, can get
involved by joining a party's youth association. Information on party
youth associations or provincial political parties in general is available from
individual party headquarters. These are listed in the white pages of your
telephone directory under the party's name. You can also find information on
Alberta's political parties online!