Voting Among Young Adults: The Vote of UNconfidence

On Saturday, March 26, 2011, it was announced that the 41st federal general election is to be held on May 2nd of this year[1]. Said election happens to mark the first time that I-and fellow citizens who were underage as of October 2008- will be eligible to vote for party leadership for this country. Statistics show, however, that newly-legal young adults are less likely to vote. According to a 2003 election survey, only 59% of 20- to 29-year-olds voted,  compared with 71% of 30- to 44-year- olds and 85% of individuals 45 years and older[2]. Some may accredit this to the fact that  compared to previous generations, young adults are lacking both ability and motivation to be part of the political process. Because many aspects of our society are now so deeply rooted in technology, the sheer volume of available information coming from the Internet and other media may be overwhelming. This results in a higher rate of apathy among young adults, as the perceived relevance of elections is diminished[2] .Youth often feel so far removed from the idea that decisions of government leaders-and, consequently, voting-  actually has an effect on their lives.


Despite the lower voter turnout in the younger demographic, it is important for all eligible citizens to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections. First, it is important to do so simply because it is our right as Canadians.Young people, women and many other underrepresented groups fought tirelessly throughout history for the this right. It is not a right that should be taken for granted, but rather celebrated as a privilege for being citizens of a free democracy. Poll stations are often easily accessible for all voters, and advanced votes and recently, voting by mail is permitted to allow those in almost every circumstance to vote.
Another reason for young adults to vote is that we are at serious risk for political under-representation. A democracy is inherently dependant on citizen participation. If young adults do not vote, they are leaving every aspect of their federal decision-making process up to others. By voting, the younger demographic can elect like-minded politicians and be represented in government with issues that directly affect them such as youth programs, healthcare, and the environment. The biggest election issues such education and healthcare directly involve youth (and all citizens), and influential decisions must be made with the opinions of all citizens being considered.
I will be voting in the upcoming federal election, and urge fellow young adults to do the same. If for nothing else, at least to combat the apathetic stereotype that is given to this demographic.


[1] "41st General Election Under Way, Canada, 2011." Elections Canada Online. March 26 2011. Web. March 28 2011

[2] “Willing to Participate: Political Engagement of Young Adults, Canada, 2005.” Statistics Canada. June 26 2005. Web. March 28 2011.