The History of Youth Voting
Canada prides itself as a democratic nation, where its citizens have the right to vote for their government. With that being said, some consider the unused opportunity to vote as a waste. The truth is, not every Canadian eligible to vote is aware of political matters and therefore, voting, to them, is inconsequential. There are four particular demographic groups that have consistently shown a low participation rate in voting: Youth, Aboriginal electors, Ethnocultural communities, and Electors with special needs. As future educators, we are focusing on youth voters. However, our objective is to spread awareness of political importance, so the youth can take action in securing their future.
It is important to note that there are two types of non-voters: Habitual and Intermittent. The habitual non-voter will have no history in voting. These type of non-voters need to be educated and then motivated to vote. Intermittent non-voters will have voted at some point, but not consistently year to year. This category of non-voters can be aided through facilitation. Youth voters (ages 18-24) are known to be more habitual non-voters
In 2004, 37% of Canadians and 31.5% of BC residents, aged 18-24, participated in voting. In 2006, there was an increase in youth voting; 43.8% of Canadians and 34.1% of BC residents (ages 18-24) voted. While in 2011, 38.8% of Canadians and 39.9% of BC residents, aged 18-24, took part in voting. This was the first time the province had seen a larger ratio of youth voters than the nation.
It is important to note that there are two types of non-voters: Habitual and Intermittent. The habitual non-voter will have no history in voting. These type of non-voters need to be educated and then motivated to vote. Intermittent non-voters will have voted at some point, but not consistently year to year. This category of non-voters can be aided through facilitation. Youth voters (ages 18-24) are known to be more habitual non-voters
In 2004, 37% of Canadians and 31.5% of BC residents, aged 18-24, participated in voting. In 2006, there was an increase in youth voting; 43.8% of Canadians and 34.1% of BC residents (ages 18-24) voted. While in 2011, 38.8% of Canadians and 39.9% of BC residents, aged 18-24, took part in voting. This was the first time the province had seen a larger ratio of youth voters than the nation.
Source: Youth Voters, Voter turnout