Many newcomers have never voted in Ontario elections. These groups are trying to change that

Gamachu Bariso isn't a frequent voter in provincial elections, but this time, he says he'll cast a ballot for sure on June 2.

CBC News spoke with Bariso, who came to this country about 12 years ago from Ethiopia, after he filled out this form on why he opted not to vote in 2018.

For years, he says he felt like he had to focus simply on getting his new life in Canada together, leaving little time to even understand what powers fall to the provincial government.

"People just don't have a lot of time to dig into all these issues and navigate how the system works, as complicated as it is," he said.

"So most of the time, the people who are being left behind are people like new immigrants, minority communities."

Bariso says he feels more settled in his life heading into this election. He says he sees newer immigrants struggle with housing, labour issues and more, especially due to the pandemic. He's also been researching ways in which provincial powers can affect these problems.

"We just can't afford not to vote," he said.

People in situations similar to the ones Bariso describes — those busy working long hours who may be unsure how the political system works and if their vote will make a difference — are the target for a variety of organizations hoping to them to get out to the polls.

These organizations say they recognize that newcomers, those with lower incomes and those from racialized and marginalized groups, may face unique barriers. So, they're launching targeted, creative, non-partisan campaigns to try to turn could-be voters into will-be voters.

The Ontario election has not yet been officially called, but many organizations say getting information out early is key.

A group called The Canadian-Muslim Vote launched its efforts last week at mosques from Cambridge to Ottawa. Organizers say they have already reached thousands of Muslims by meeting them where they already are en masse, Friday prayers during Ramadan.

On the first Friday of the campaign, volunteers and staff with the group set up a table at the Jame Masjid Mississauga, where 3,000 to 5,000 Muslims congregated. Many stopped to chat, says Umair Ashraf, the director of the organization's get-out-the-vote campaign for the provincial election.

Ashraf says he tells people, "We don't care who you vote for. We just want you to go and vote."

The organization has determined that there are 48 ridings with a sizeable Muslim population and it is focusing on reminding Muslims how much their votes count in these ridings.