What’s with the kids today?
Plenty, but it seems voting is not something worth putting down Instagram and Snapchat for.
Less than 39 per cent voted in 2011 and political scientists warn us that millennials could be democracy’s lost generation.
Research tells us if you miss voting in two or three elections, you’re not likely to get into the habit.
Our parties share in the blame for this, ignoring young people in their platforms and campaigns to focus on the more vote-potent boomer demographic. It’s a vicious cycle.
Politicians ignore the young. The young ignore elections.
While it’s tempting to say “They don’t want to vote? Fine. Their loss,” we should be looking at this as the symptom of a larger problem: rot in the support beams of the country.
Believe it or not, democracy is a relatively fragile thing. Without meaningful participation by citizens, what legitimacy does an elected government have?
Not a whole lot. In fact, when fewer people bother going to the polls – and those people represent fewer viewpoints and experiences, it can’t help but dilute our democracy.
We need young people to not only feel as if they have an interest in the future of this country, but also know that their votes are valued.
It’s pretty easy to be cynical about politics. Every day there is a good example of outrageous campaign spin or downright corruption. We get that – and we also have to fight our cynicism at times.
But if you’re the type to read a newspaper’s editorial, you’re already likely to vote. It’s your kids or grandkids that we’re worried about. We want you to grab them by the ear – yes, physically – and drag them to an Elections Canada office to register and vote.
For those whose young’uns aren’t of age, take them with you to the polling station on Oct. 19. Tell them why you’re doing what you’re doing and why it’s important.
For all the millennials’ faults, this country will be theirs one day, and the best legacy we can leave them is the know-how to take control of it.
