Table of Contents
Understanding the voter turnout crisis
In recent years, Ontario has witnessed a troubling trend: young voters, particularly those aged 18 to 24, are consistently showing up at the polls in alarmingly low numbers. According to data from Elections Canada, voter turnout in this age group was below 54% in the last federal elections, plummeting to just 47% during the 2021 snap election.
This decline raises critical questions about the engagement of young Ontarians in the democratic process and the factors contributing to their apathy.
The role of political disillusionment
Many young people express a profound sense of disillusionment with the political system.
Jaden Braves, the 16-year-old CEO of Young Politicians of Canada, highlights a pervasive feeling among youth that political parties are not addressing their concerns. “There is a lack of hope, a lot of pessimism and misinformation,” Braves states.
This sentiment is echoed by a survey conducted by his organization, which found that while 70% of youth actively advocate for issues they care about, the majority refrain from voting. The disconnect between advocacy and electoral participation suggests that many young people do not believe that voting will lead to meaningful change.
The impact of social media on political awareness
Social media has become a double-edged sword in shaping political awareness among young voters. A significant 40% of Ontario students report getting their news from platforms like TikTok. While these platforms can raise awareness about political issues, they also contribute to the spread of negativity and misinformation.
Braves points out that “social media is not for solutions; it fosters a lot of negativities.” This environment can create an illusion of engagement, where young people feel they are participating in political discourse simply by sharing posts, rather than taking concrete actions like voting.
Global trends in youth disengagement
Political science experts, such as Nelson Wiseman from the University of Toronto, view youth disengagement as a broader global issue. He notes that adults tend to be more concerned about political matters, while young people often perceive politics as irrelevant to their daily lives. “I suspect they don’t spend much time talking about politics, so why would they go out and vote?” Wiseman argues. This lack of engagement can be detrimental, as provincial policies directly impact young people’s lives, yet they remain largely uninformed and uninterested.
Bridging the gap between youth and politics
To address the growing voter apathy among young Ontarians, it is crucial to bridge the gap between youth and the political system. Initiatives that promote political education and encourage open dialogue about the issues affecting young people could foster a sense of relevance and urgency around voting. Additionally, leveraging social media as a tool for constructive engagement rather than negativity could help reshape perceptions of the political process. By empowering young voters and demonstrating that their voices matter, we can work towards reversing the trend of low voter turnout in this demographic.
