The Martlet

While a recent survey by the Dominion Institute suggests that voter turnout for those under 24 may be the lowest ever this election, many young people are still making an effort to become engaged in the political process.

Lindsay McDowell, a fourth-year UVic student, decided to join Victoria NDP candidate Denise Savoie’s campaign because she felt the party best represented the concerns of young people.

“I’m really glad I’m doing it,” said McDowell. “Historically, young people have had very little voice in politics, and given that those in power are typically much older, it’s important for young people to build a political foundation now.”

Currently, only three per cent of political party members in Canada are under 25 and the average age of a party member is 59-years-old.

Fourth-year UVic student Reid Yester has been distributing flyers, putting up lawn signs and organizing young Conservatives in support of Victoria Conservative candidate Jack McClintock since the beginning of the election campaign. He suggests many young people may not become involved in politics because of a lack of time, a lack of incentive and, in some cases, the possibility of being socially outcast.

“Going against the grain can be intimidating to some potential volunteers — for example, volunteering for the Conservative Party in Victoria or any party other than the Conservatives in Alberta,” said Yester. “Most people would prefer not to be ostracized by their peers for their political beliefs.”

However, Yester feels that getting involved in the political process provides an excellent personal opportunity.

“Besides the fact that it is an opportunity to work on something that you presumably believe in, it provides a chance to establish contacts within the community, build up your resumé and learn about the system,” said Yester.

A survey by William Cross, a professor at Carleton University, found that the young people who do get involved are motivated primarily out of a desire to affect policy.

Over 92 per cent of young Liberal and young NDP members reported their motivation to join their respective parties was to make a difference in social and political issues, with around 20 per cent saying they joined to influence party policy on one particular issue.

Youth were also much more likely to become politically involved if they had a family member or friend who was already a member of a political party.

Looking to motivate youths who continue to stay away, political parties are joining a growing chorus of not-for-profit groups aimed at getting young people involved in the process. NDP MP Denise Savoie says that young people have been invaluable in her campaign.

“Personally, I have been honoured to have so many young people volunteering on my campaign,” said Savoie. “They have brought energy and fun, and have a real thoughtfulness on the issues.”

Low turnout among young voters has been cited as another symptom of disinterest in politics.

Elections Canada spent $10 million during the last election to encourage young people to vote and managed to boost turnout to 44 per cent of eligible voters, compared to just 37 per cent in the 2004 election.

UVic political science professor Mona Brash suggests that many university-aged people don’t vote because they think it is too late to register.

“This is absolutely untrue,” said Brash. “If anyone has not registered by election day, they can still register on election day. Your generation and your concerns need to be heard.”