Student apathy in voting

By Kenneth Bullock

 

To increase voter turnout, politicians are trying online voting, closer locations for voting and more convincing promises.

They are going all out to increase the voter turnout. The question is, why is it so low? The answer likely lies within the younger generation, more specifically the college and university students. Not all students refuse to vote, however many have reasons why they don’t.

Some students have a lot of interest in all things political but have their reasons why their interest lessens over time. One such St. Clair College is Corrine Trojansek, who used to be a diligent follower of all things political. She said she will not be voting this year due to believing her vote doesn’t make any difference. The reason why she ceases to care or keep updated is she has lost faith in Windsor’s government.

“Hundreds of millions of dollars have come out of the city’s pocket just to make this place a bigger deal to tourists,” said Trojansek.

One of the bigger problems that bring Trojansek apathy towards her city is the neglection of the homeless. She says she doesn’t feel safe to be downtown and it deters her from venturing downtown. This is because she thinks many people downtown have or exhibit signs of mental illness and potential for violent action. Trojansek recalled a time where she would not give change to someone, but the woman was insistent. She tried walking away but then was getting threatened by the panhandler. After being followed for a block, Trojansek said she would call the police if not left alone immediately.

Trojansek admits she may not understand every view on the city situation, but said if politicians were more open and transparent about their campaigns, this wouldn’t be a problem.

“I try to reserve my judgements,” said Trojansek. “I feel one must be properly educated in order to make political criticisms.”

She dislikes many politicians’ personalities because many aren’t very sociable during election time often then making false promises. Trojansek doesn’t plan to stay in the City of Windsor and stated one of the major reasons is the state of its government.

On the other side of the spectrum, first-year University of Windsor student, Eric Hubberstey, currently volunteers at Windsor-West MP Brian Masse`s office. At Masse’s office, Hubberstey mails letters, sends e-mails and manages Brian’s e-mail account. In his opinion, politics is an essential part of society and people should really consider making it a bigger part of their lives.

“I think it’s important to follow them to at least an extent, especially matters that concern you and your city,” said Hubberstey. “Voting is another important facet of living in a democracy because it allows your voice and opinion to be heard”.

He said he does sometimes feel a single vote is pointless but isn’t deterred because his single vote means he wants to participate in his community.

“Government works best when everyone tells the truth,” said Hubberstey.

He admits this doesn’t always happen in politics of any level.

“It is misguided to not keep at least a small eye on government because everything that happens affects you in one way or another,” he said.

The latest record of voter turnout in Canada was the 2008 federal election standing at 37.4 per cent. This is gravely lower than the 43.8 per cent turnout in 2004. The statistics show the descending interest in government by our young people, but the biggest question is what can be done to promote more interest in politics. Is this even possible, or will the turnout of young voters continue to descend into the depths?
Time will tell.