While most Canadian voters will head to local polling stations, a group of adventurous students will cast their ballots from Switzerland — after spending six months sailing the North Atlantic on a tall ship.
Among them is Alexis Caffin of Chelsea, Quebec, who just turned 18. He’s thrilled that his first time voting will take place at the Canadian Embassy in Bern, rather than a traditional voting booth.
“I’m excited to have a voice in Canada’s future,” says Caffin.
He’s joined by Linnaea O’Brien from Halifax, also voting for the first time. Both are part of a unique academic program called Class Afloat–West Island College International, which combines classroom learning with sailing across the globe.
The journey began in September with travel through Germany and the Netherlands before boarding the Alexander von Humboldt II in October. After months at sea — including a stop in Portugal where the Canadian election was called — the ship returned to Germany, and students are finishing the school year on land.
When the election was announced, social studies teacher Brychan Williams took the lead in helping Canadian students register and prepare to vote, saying, “It’s your civic duty, even if you’re in the middle of the ocean.”
Limited internet on board made staying informed difficult, but students like Emma Visser from Ottawa say it gave them space to develop independent political views without the noise of social media.
“I’ve had time to think for myself. It’s been empowering — and a bit scary,” says Visser. “But I’m excited to vote.”
The group — including 12 students and 4 faculty — will vote together at the Canadian embassy on April 22, proving that no matter where you are in the world, democracy sails with you.