As the Federal election nears, updates are preparing us for a nerve-wracking finish, as the most recent Nano poll reveals the Liberals to be in a slight lead with 32.5%, followed closely by the Conservatives at 31.5%, followed by the NDP in third with support at 27.6%, and the Green Party with 3.7 per cent support nationally. The report also indicates the margin of error to be ±3.0 per cent. 

According to Elections Canada, voter turnout has been lagging for the last decade in comparison to previous eras, despite a drastic increase in population. The organization also reports that the last election in 2011 reported the demographic with the lowest voter turnout to be young adults, ages 18-24. Inevitably, this will be a close race, and therefore, requires your opinion and vote. Just by going to vote again or even for your first time, it could be your vote that changes this country.

Young adults deliver a perspective that is fresh, innovative and educated for the future; however, one thing that appears to discourage young voters is the sense that their vote and beliefs do not hold importance. Decades back, the average individual was settled in a career, a house and a family by the mid-twenties, creating a sense of urgency when it came to elections. However, the culture shift that occurred may contribute to why young adults hesitate to vote, as they are still finding their place in society. Regardless of where one is in life, it is difficult to argue that young adults hold less power; in fact, the New York Times states they often possess a higher level of education than their predecessors, are more active in the community and are more tapped into news through social media.

Yes, life is busy, and sometimes timing makes it difficult, but voting carries an impact in everything that you do- how you will budget, how safe you will be, how your children will live, even how you will breath air in ten years. All of those things are taken care of when you take ten minutes to vote at your appropriate location. 

Not sure how to vote? 
No worries! We recommend you check this resource for official information- this will answer all of your questions from voting requirements, how to vote during work hours and even what to do if you live on campus at your university.

Not sure where to vote?
Easy, type your postal code in here and find out!

Not sure who to vote for?
Check it out, here are the official sites!
https://www.liberal.ca/
http://www.conservative.ca/
http://www.ndp.ca/


Oh, you don’t have time to read about the political parties?
While we feel that reading the official platforms is the best way to learn about who to vote for, there is a popular quiz making its way across the web that can also give you an idea of who to vote for upon assessing your answers.

 

We hope you find these resources helpful in your decision making, and wish you the best as you go to vote on October 19th. Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @julemagazine, and keep the conversation going!