FAQs

 

About the Campaign

What is the Vote Palestine campaign?

Vote Palestine is a grassroots, non-partisan campaign mobilizing people across Canada to support Palestinian rights and freedom during the federal election.

Why focus on the federal election?

Elections create political conversation and focus public attention. By organizing at the grassroots level right now, we can increase support for Palestinian liberation, regardless of voting and electoral outcomes. This is a particularly unpredictable election - and our actions will make a difference. Whether you vote or not, your actions can make a difference for Palestinian rights.

Is Vote Palestine affiliated with any political party?

No. Vote Palestine is independent and non-partisan. The goal is to pressure all political parties and candidates to support Palestinian human rights.

The Palestine Platform and Strategy

What is the Palestine Platform and how do I join the Vote Palestine strategy?

The Palestine Platform outlines five key demands that have been endorsed by major Palestine solidarity and civil society organizations. It is a tool to push candidates to take a position on Palestine.

What is the Vote Palestine strategy?

  • Individual action to collective organizing: Once you sign the pledge, you’ll be invited to join local efforts like canvassing, events, and outreach.

  • Pressuring political parties: We will use the pledges to show broad support for Palestine and push candidates to endorse the platform.

  • Publicizing candidate positions: We’ll track and share which candidates support the platform increasing the pressure. 

  • Amplifying Grassroots Action: Independent organizing and mobilizing during this period will keep Palestine on the agenda beyond the election.

What happens after the election?

Grassroots organizing will continue regardless of the election’s outcome. Our goal is to strengthen the growing movement for Palestinian rights.

There are many important public policy issues I care about. Why should I focus on Palestine?

Palestine connects broader struggles for justice and equality:

  • Invest in People, Not War: Redirect military funding from Israel to housing, healthcare, and social services in Canada.

  • Protect Our Climate: End trade with Israeli companies profiting from war and environmental destruction.

  • Defend Civil Liberties: Protect the right to protest and speak out on Palestine without harassment, reprisals or criminalization.

  • Stop Hate & Racism: Fight rising anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia to ensure safety and dignity for all communities.

Getting Involved

What does signing the pledge mean?

By signing the pledge, you commit to supporting political parties and candidates that back the Palestine Platform. When you sign, an email is sent to your local candidates.

Can individuals endorse the platform?

No. Endorsements are for organizations only. However, individuals can show their support by signing the pledge and encouraging others to join.

How can I organize in my community?

Join local Palestine solidarity groups or start your own. To find a group near you and to download campaign materials (flyers, posters), click here. 

How can unions, faith groups, and community organizations get involved?

Organizations can endorse the platform, mobilize members to sign the pledge, hold events, and engage candidates. See who has endorsed already and join us. 

How can I participate if I don’t have much time?

Every action matters. You can:

Engaging with Candidates, Elections & Voting

What should I say when I talk to a candidate on my doorstep or at an event?

  • Ask if they support the Palestine Platform.

  • Sample questions:

    • Every major international human rights organization has termed Israel’s actions a genocide - will you commit Canada to stop buying and selling of weapons from Israel? 

    • The International Court of Justice found Israel was committing an illegal occupation and apartheid against the Palestinians. Will you commit to ending trade with illegal settlements?

    • Israel has stopped food from entering into Gaza since March 2nd - will you commit to opposing the genocide and fulling funding humanitarian efforts including UNRWA? 

    • Will you work to include anti-Palestinian racism in Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy?

  • Encourage them to take a public stand.

  • Document the interaction and share online with #VotePalestine. 

Review our primer on talking to candidates. 

What if my local candidate doesn’t support the platform?

  • Contact them by calling them and ask why.

  • Encourage others in your riding to contact them by emailing candidates here.

  • Organize a local event to build support.

Which party/candidates should I vote for?

In Canada, citizens vote in their ridings by electing a Member of Parliament (MP). The party with the most MPs elected forms the government. Therefore, it is important to vote on the basis of the candidate - and not the political party. Not all candidates in a political party are the same, some are more pro-Palestinian than others. Before you vote - especially in this election, where there will be lot of changing in polling - it's important for you to: 

  • look up your local candidates’ record on Palestine; 

  • check here to see if your candidates has endorsed the platform; and

  • if you cannot find this information, only then review the political parties’ election platform for their position on Palestine

Vote Palestine will not endorse any political party or candidate. We will share information on which candidates filled out the questionnaire on the Palestine Platform to help you make an informed decision. 

What if I can’t/ don’t vote?

Our primary objective is to use the elections to increase the focus on and support for Palestinian liberation and human rights. Even if you can’t or don’t vote - you can sign the pledge, organize in your neighbourhood by putting up posters and distributing flyers, and talk to candidates.