Historically, young voter turnout has consistently been well below that of other demographic groups. But in the 2015 federal election, the turnout of young voters – and young women in particular – was among the highest on record. Hot topic issues like climate change, the economy, healthcare and student financing are putting youth voices at the forefront of political action. So how does this shape up in Guelph? We asked five young voters what makes them tick and why they’re heading to the polls on October 21.
Phil DesrosiersOccupation: Policy Advisor, Steve for Guelph Campaign
What are the most important issues to you in the upcoming election?
It comes down to a core value and I feel like there’s a lack of concern for generational justice. We have water security issues that threaten affordability in Guelph. [Nestle] is taking our drinking water and selling it in plastic bottles, which is straining municipal supply for drinking water. When we think about who’s going to have to deal with that problem, disproportionately it will be young people.
How will the Green Party address this issue?
The first thing Mike Schreiner did [upon election] was table Bill 71 to protect our water. That was really important to me. Mike worked to build across party lines and actually get the job done. And I really respect what Steve Dyck has done in his activism in Guelph ... that’s the type of leader we need to rally behind.
What do you look for in a politician?
I like a leader who sticks their neck out, takes risks and is willing to do the work. Steve was really concerned about Islamophobia in our own community and worked with different groups of faith to build bridges to ensure that the Muslim community was not being alienated or targeted.
How do you stay on top of political news?
I try to read different sources. I think it’s important to have a varied media diet. I also have a lot of friends who, in spite of very different political views, I strive to keep in my personal network. I don’t want to be just another person who has the blinders on.
What’s your message to other young voters?
The people politicians are never going to leave out of the conversation are those that turn up to vote. And it is consistently older generations that turn out to vote and [young people] get left out in the cold. If you want to see real results in the world, you have to get out and vote.
Occupation: Student
What are the most important issues to you in the upcoming election?
[Tuition] and the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Being a student, OSAP cuts really affect me. Also, health care and mental health.
How will the NDP address these issues?
I was excited to see more representation in politics. At the recent debate [Jagmeet Singh] really drove home the party wants to do and he didn’t back down. Pharmacare is a big one for me. Jagmeet wants to bring in corporate tax and the super-wealth tax.
What do you look for in a politician?
Confidence, being able to articulate their ideas and diplomacy. International relations are of growing importance so someone with diplomatic strength.
How do you stay on top of political news?
I read CBC and the National Post and I talk to people. The news will tell you the facts and then the opinion comes from other people.
What’s your message to other young voters?
Do your research. It really does make a big difference. You have to think holistically.
Alison BeardOccupation: Student
What are the most important issues to you in the upcoming election?
The economy because it ties into other issues like taxation and government spending. The environment too. Being young, I want my vote now to create a prosperous future for Canada.
How will the Conservative Party address these issues?
We need a more fiscally responsible government. I believe we should protect the environment, but we have to keep in mind that Canada produces less than 2% of global emissions so the carbon tax is not the most effective plan, as corporations may eventually leave Canada to pollute elsewhere. Encouraging green technology is more effective than taxes in order to reduce global emissions.
What do you look for in a politician?
Someone that is strong, honest, and intelligent. Someone who can come up with a thorough platform that benefits Canadians and that aligns with my values.
How do you stay on top of political news?
Facebook. I watch a lot of YouTube videos. I read different news outlets like Global and CTV. I read the Conservative Party website and other party platforms.
What’s your message to other young voters?
Look into the future not just the now. The cancellation of student debt isn’t a good long-term plan. [Cancelling] tuition fees will inevitably raise taxes. It might benefit you today but would harm you tomorrow. There’s no free lunch.
Ross SimsOccupation: Student
What are the most important issues to you in the upcoming election?
The most pressing issue is the culture war. There are two types of conservatives I believe. There are the ones that fight the culture war and the ones that don’t. The ones that don’t fight it will lose the culture war.
How will the People’s Party of Canada address this?
The PPC are the ones that can fight it and will fight it and the Conservatives are the ones that won’t. For decades the right has faced defeat after defeat because they couldn’t properly fight those battles.
What do you look for in a politician?
Spine. Having the kind of will to stand up and fight for your principles and not play by the rules set by the left because they’re not fair rules.
How do you stay on top of political news?
I watch a lot of people on YouTube like Tim Poole and Ben Shapiro.
What’s your message to other young voters?
If they are on the far left I would say let the best person win, if they are on the centre left they should see the direction the left is heading and if they’re on the right and vote for the conservatives, they should vote for the principles and who they think would win the culture war.
Hannah RuuthOccupation: Student
What are the most important issues to you in the upcoming election?
Mental health, climate change and financing for students.
How will the Liberal Party address these issues?
Lloyd Longfield does a lot of research in mental health. I think [addressing] climate change is a balance between the environment and the economy and that’s what our Liberal government is doing by putting a price on pollution. [The Liberals] have increased the Canada Student Grants and to counteract the OSAP cuts from the provincial government.
What do you look for in a politician?
Somebody who has a strong understanding of policy and cares about the people around them and has experience in the community leading.
How do you stay on top of political news?
I have news alerts on my phone. I subscribe to the New York Times and the Toronto Star.
What’s your message to other young voters?
Vote! Anybody is welcome to come volunteer on the Lloyd Longfield campaign.
