Turnout among youngest voters was below 20 per cent in the last N.S. election
Meredith Kent, a 25-year-old resident of Halifax, exemplifies the characteristics of an engaged voter. With a background in political science and public policy, Kent remains actively involved in politics, recognizing the importance of having a voice in decision-making processes. Despite her commitment to civic participation, Kent finds herself in the minority within her age group, as data from Elections Nova Scotia reveals a concerning decline in voter turnout, particularly among individuals under the age of 35.
The statement of votes and statistics released by Elections Nova Scotia following the November election painted a grim picture of voter engagement in the province. With an overall turnout of 44.9%, the lowest in Nova Scotia’s history, it is evident that a significant portion of the population is disengaged from the electoral process. In the 18-24 age group, only 16.6% of individuals cast their ballots, while the 25-34 demographic fared slightly better at 23.8%. In stark contrast, 66.6% of those aged 75 and older participated in the election, underscoring a clear generational divide in voter turnout.
Lori Turnbull, a faculty member at Dalhousie University, expressed concerns about the long-standing trend of low voter turnout among young people. She emphasized the potential repercussions of this trend on future elections, noting that individuals who fail to vote in their initial election are less likely to engage in subsequent electoral processes. This downward spiral in voter participation could have far-reaching consequences for the overall health of democracy in Nova Scotia.
The recent provincial election results further highlight the challenges associated with voter engagement. With the Progressive Conservatives securing a supermajority in the legislature, some voters may have felt disenfranchised due to the perceived inevitability of the outcome. Additionally, the decision not to send out voter information cards raised concerns about voter awareness and accessibility, potentially disenfranchising individuals who were unsure about when, where, or even if an election was taking place.
To address the issue of declining voter turnout, Turnbull proposed various solutions, including lowering the voting age to 16 and enhancing efforts by political parties to connect with young voters. She emphasized the crucial role of government in fostering civic responsibility and cultivating a culture of active participation in democracy from a young age. Leah Martin, Nova Scotia’s minister responsible for youth, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the government’s role in encouraging voter engagement and ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and acted upon.
Despite the challenges posed by low voter turnout, there is optimism for the future. Kent emphasized the need for greater efforts to demonstrate the tangible impact of individual votes on people’s lives. She stressed the importance of empowering young people to believe in the efficacy of their voices and votes, emphasizing the potential for meaningful change through active civic participation. As Nova Scotia looks towards future elections, there is a collective call for increased engagement, accountability, and inclusivity in the electoral process to ensure a thriving democracy for all citizens.
