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Understanding Why Voting is Important and How to Vote

of people aged 18-24 voted in 2021.

believe Canadian schools should do more to teach the importance of voting

Debunking Myths About Voting

01.

— My Vote Doesn’t Count

Your vote matters because it is your voice. When you vote, you help shape decisions that affect your daily life such as schools, roads, healthcare, and more. Elections are decided by those who show up. Even one vote can tip the balance. By voting, you hold leaders accountable and show that you care about your community’s future. Your vote is your power. Use it.

In fact, in 2025 for the riding Terrebonne, the election was decided by a SINGLE VOTE (CBC News). Your voice has power to change so much.

02.

— All Politicians are the Same

It’s easy to feel that leaders blend together, especially with negative campaigning. However, even small differences in their policies can have big effects over time. By voting, you help decide which vision for the future becomes reality. Choosing not to vote leaves those decisions to others.

We recommend visiting each major party’s website to view their policies.

Liberal Party: https://liberal.ca ↗
Conservative Party: https://www.conservative.ca ↗
New Democratic Party: https://www.ndp.ca ↗
Bloc Québécois: https://www.blocquebecois.org ↗
Green Party of Canada: https://www.greenparty.ca ↗
People’s Party: https://www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca ↗

03.

— Voting is too complicated

Voting can seem intimidating, especially for first-timers or new citizens. But the process is designed to be accessible. Ballots come with clear instructions, and poll workers are trained to help. Many places offer sample ballots and voter guides. With a few minutes of preparation, almost anyone can cast a vote with confidence.

04.

— Young People Don’t Need to Vote

Some think that voting is only for older adults, but young people have a huge stake in decisions about education, climate change, and the economy. When youth vote, politicians are more likely to pay attention to their concerns. Your participation can influence policies that affect your future.

05.

— The Political System is Rigged

This belief is mostly flawed. In every election, ballots are carefully counted (often multiple times) with multiple witnesses. The main law governing federal elections is the Canada Elections Act strictly prohibits:
• Impersonating another voter
• Tampering with ballots or ballot boxes
• Bribing or intimidating voters
• Spreading false information about candidates or the voting process
• Illegally influencing voters through threats or coercion
• Interfering with the work of election officials

06.

— You Have to Be an Expert to Vote

You don’t need to know everything about politics to participate. Voting is about expressing your values and priorities. There are plenty of resources, like party websites, debates, and voter guides, to help you make an informed choice. What matters most is that you show up and make your voice heard.

If you’re unsure, you can use the CBC Voter Compass to see which political party you align the best with based on your beliefs.

Declining Voter Turnout in Canada

Key Statistics

47%
18-24 years

53%
25-34 years

68%
55-64 years

75%
65-74 years

Voter turnout by age group (Elections Canada)

Why Is Voting Important?

Voting is how citizens make their voices heard and influence decisions that affect their lives.
It ensures the government remains accountable and reflects the will of the people (National Geographic).

Understanding Voter Disengagement

Negative Campaigning: Political candidates focused on attacking opponents can turn voters away from the entire election process. Constant criticism and fear-based messages create a toxic political sentiment (Makullio).
Systemic Issues: In ridings historically “safe” for a party, notions like “my vote doesn’t matter” arise, discouraging turnout (McCulloh).
Disconnected Feeling: Many feel their values are not reflected in political systems, especially when promises are not kept. 74% of Canadians surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with elected officials’ delivery of their promises (Pétry et al.).
Lack of Civic Education: 83% of Canadians believe schools should do more to teach the importance of voting, and 34% of non-voters felt too uninformed to participate (Elections Canada).
Youth Disengagement: Young Canadians often feel ignored by political parties, frustrated by little outreach and few shared experiences. With MPs averaging 52 years old, youth feel left out on issues that concern them most (House of Commons Canada).

“I don’t really know a lot. I feel like a lot of people don’t, especially my age. I feel like a lot of candidates don’t really, like, look toward us, I guess. I feel like it’s kind of hard to know where we stand.”
— Carleton University Student, CBC News

The Impact of Low Voter Turnout

Low voter turnout undermines the legitimacy of democracy and shows a growing disconnect between citizens and their government (UN).
It can lead to policies that don’t reflect the needs of all citizens, especially marginalized groups. Policies can often over-represent groups who vote (University of Lausanne).
Many, especially young people, low-income communities, and marginalized groups, feel excluded, frustrated, or doubtful that their vote matters (Statistics Canada).

How Are These Issues Addressed?

Civic Education Programs: Teaching young people the importance of voting and how it works.
Expansion of Voting Options: Advanced polling and mail-in ballots to avoid waiting.
Positive Political Culture: Politicians engaging with the community through events and outreach.

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