Groups ready large get-out-the-vote campaign to keep youth turnout high

OTTAWA — A coalition of hundreds of groups and activists is working on what is being styled as the largest, non-partisan voter engagement campaign to get young voters to the polls in October.

Until the 2015 federal election, turnout among the country’s voters aged 18 to 24 had been on a long-term decline since the 1970s.

With another vote scheduled for October, Apathy is Boring and 400 other groups and activists are organizing events to ensure the high turnout from 2015 repeats on Oct. 21. 

Elections Canada data about the 2015 vote said that 57 per cent of young voters turned out to cast a ballot.

Apathy is Boring’s executive director says the groups have created an online tool to connect voters with local candidates, and are training volunteers to speak with young electors at concerts, festivals and other events.

Caro Loutfi says it’s important to maintain the momentum from the 2015 vote to ensure that youth issues are reflected in party platforms and that they have a voice in deciding who governs the country.

The Canadian Press