These young Canadians want their peers to get out and vote
Apr 8, 2025
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Join Chris Mohan, a systems analyst passionate about electoral reform, Kinira Oudekamaran, a biomedical engineering student leaning Liberal, and Alexandre Lévesque, a reservist favoring Conservative values, as they discuss the pressing issues of young Canadian voters. They share their views on the importance of overcoming apathy, the role of social media in shaping opinions, and the need for political reforms to engage Generation Z. Their insights reveal how housing, education, and identity shape their votes in this pivotal election.
Economic concerns, particularly regarding education costs and housing prices, are driving young Canadians towards conservative policies for potential reform.
Young voters express unease about Canadian democracy and are advocating for electoral reform to enhance engagement and trust in political representation.
Deep dives
Economic Concerns Driving Voter Preferences
Economic issues are at the forefront of young voters' concerns during the election, particularly among Gen Z, who have witnessed a stark difference in financial stability compared to their parents' generation. Many young Canadians grapple with the realities of high education costs, rising housing prices, and underemployment, which are motivating them to lean towards conservative policies that promise economic reform. For example, one young voter noted that they are drawn to the Conservative Party due to the perception of a better economic future under that leadership, showcasing the urgent need for change as they face significant financial challenges. This economic insecurity is influencing not just individual decisions but the overall political leanings of the younger demographic.
Concerns About Canadian Democracy and Sovereignty
There is a growing concern among young voters regarding the state of Canadian democracy and national sovereignty, particularly influenced by the political climate in the United States. Discussions have emerged around the risk of Canadian identity and values being overshadowed by external political influences, especially in light of comments suggesting Canada could become a '51st state'. This has sparked a desire for a more engaged and responsible government that resonates with the values of the youth. Furthermore, there is a push among this generation for electoral reform to enhance civic engagement and restore trust in political leaders to reflect their priorities.
Engaging Youth Voters Amid Apathy
Efforts to mobilize youth voters face significant challenges, largely due to a prevailing sense of apathy and disillusionment within the Gen Z cohort. Many young individuals feel disconnected from the political process, exacerbated by a lack of representation of their issues, leading to lower voter turnout compared to other age groups. Strategies to combat this include organizing events and utilizing social media to create engaging and informative platforms that resonate with their peers. The urgency to create a sense of hope and agency within the younger generation underscores the need for political discourse that integrates their voices and concerns effectively.
Young voters aren’t known for high turnout on polling day, but some hope that’ll be different in what they see as a high-stakes election. We speak to three voters about what matters to them in this vote, and why they want their peers to overcome their apathy.
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