The federal election is coming up and in jounalism class Crystal, Erica presented our research the lack of political engagement of young adults (18-24 years old) and some things that people like Ricker Mercer are doing to increase voter turnout.
According to Statistics Canada, General Social Survey from 2008 young adults represent the lowest rate of voter turnout. In the 2008 federal election only 44% of voters aged 18 to 24 cast a ballot. Compared to 70% of voters aged 25 to 54, and 87% of voters over 55. Reasons why young adults are not as likely to go to the polls include lack of motivation, marginalization from mainstream politics and a lack of relevance.
In their 2011 report Youth Electoral Engagement in Canada, Elections Canada looks closely at various youth demographic goups and discusses the likelyhood of voting based on household income, marital status, level of education, religious beliefs and birth country. For example, based on the results of the study, people aged 18-24 who live in a house that makes over $40,000 per year are 6% more likely to vote than people in a poorer household. And if an 18-24 year old has some post secondary education they are 9% more likely to vote than someone without. However, even with post secondary education the voter turnout is still abysmally low.
To improve student voter turnout Canadian Alliance of Student Associations partnered with Rick Mercer. See his rant below.
Soupy out.
No comments:
Post a Comment