“Dude, I’m too discouraged about my life to vote,” reads a poster on campus.
In the May 2011 elections, just 38.8 per cent of people aged 18-24 voted. In the 25-34 year old category, 45.1 per cent of Canadians voted.
It’s clear the majority of students don’t vote. But why?
The National Youth Survey, a study commissioned by Elections Canada following the election, cited access issues – young people were too busy, couldn’t get to the polls and didn’t know where the polls were. Eighteen to 34 year-olds were generally less interested in politics, less likely to view voting as a civic duty and more likely to feel that all political parties were the same and that no party spoke to issues relevant to youth.
At Algonquin, students say they have a variety of reasons for not voting.
“I’ve never voted in my entire life”, said Jenna Guilbeault, a second-year journalism student.
“It’s not that I’m apathetic but I don’t know enough to be able to make an informed decision. I’m not from Ottawa and don’t have government issued ID with my Ottawa address on it.”
“I’m not (voting), because I don’t believe I’ve educated myself enough to make a proper decision on the matter.” said Mackenzie McDonell, first-year animation.
But among a random sample, it seems there are plenty of Algonquin students who will be voting.
“Any vote counts, no matter what,” said Braeden Mahew, second-year radio broadcasting.
“Even if it’s a smaller party that may not get enough recognition but you believe in what they’re doing, any vote to them matters. If you want actual change, voting goes a long way. So yes, I will be voting this year.”
“If not voting was a (political) party, not voting would have won the past couple of elections,” said Curtis Kupkee, second-year radio broadcasting. “So us voting is what makes a difference.”
“Yes I will be,” said Joshua Crabbe, second year radio broadcasting. “I think every vote counts. If you can vote and choose not to, you have no right to complain about who gets elected. So cast your vote and hope for the best.”
For more information on voting, contact Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868, or online at www.elections.ca.