Leaders’ debate likely won’t influence most people’s votes, Vote Compass data suggests

Most Vote Compass users who tuned in to watch Thursday night’s federal leaders’ debate have indicated that it is unlikely to influence their voting decision, according to data collected from the vote-gauging tool. The English-language debate, which took place in Montreal, saw a total of 38 per cent of respondents stating that it could somewhat, very, or extremely influence their vote. However, a majority of 58 per cent believed that the debate would not have an impact on their voting choice.

The survey, which was conducted on Thursday and Friday, included over 13,100 users who shared their views on the debate. Despite the efforts made by the party leaders to sway voters, a significant portion of Vote Compass users could not identify a clear winner. In fact, 40 per cent of respondents were unable to pick a winner, while 34 per cent chose Liberal Leader Mark Carney and 22 per cent selected Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

During the debate, Poilievre targeted Carney, suggesting that his government would be similar to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh accused Carney of planning to cut public services, while Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet questioned Carney’s ties to corporate interests.

Interestingly, the choice of the debate winner seemed to align with partisan lines, with most undecided voters unable to name a winner. Among male voters, Poilievre was seen as the winner by 30 per cent, compared to 29 per cent for Carney. However, among female voters, Carney was the preferred choice with 38 per cent, while only 16 per cent chose Poilievre.

The post-debate reactions from the party leaders reflected their campaign messages. Poilievre emphasized the need for change, stating that the Liberals do not deserve a fourth term in power. On the other hand, Carney praised the moderation of the debates and the exchange of ideas that took place.

With the debate now behind them, the leaders resumed their campaign activities on Friday. Advance voting also commenced, with reports of long queues at polling stations in various cities in Ontario. Notably, none of the parties represented in the debate have released fully costed platforms yet, with Carney announcing that the Liberal platform will be unveiled on Saturday.

As the election day approaches on April 28, the political landscape continues to evolve. The Green Party has already released their full platform, while Canadians eagerly await the detailed plans from the other parties. Overall, the debate served as a crucial moment in the campaign, providing voters with insights into the leaders’ visions for the country.

Developed by Vox Pop Labs, Vote Compass offers a unique opportunity for civic engagement and political reflection. The data collected from over 13,000 respondents provide valuable insights into the preferences and opinions of Canadian voters. While the findings are not definitive, they offer a glimpse into the shifting dynamics of the political landscape as the election day draws near.