It appears youth in Northern Saskatchewan may be more likely to vote provincially and federally if they could see some tangible benefits.
Professor Bonita Beatty of the University of Saskatchewan helped conduct a survey that looked at voter trends in the north.
She found that 65 per cent of voters aged 18 to 29 did not vote in the most recent provincial election and a massive 92 percent failed to vote in the federal campaign.
Beatty says the problem may be that many feel alienated from mainstream politics. However, she says that could change if the benefits of voting were more visible.
“The youth also indicated if they could see something like organized sports happening in their communities, if they could see programs for children, better housing, arenas to play in – just organized activities – then they would get involved.”
Beatty adds addictions, unemployment and housing were the biggest issues raised by people during the survey.
She adds her research also found that some youth may not be aware of what you need to vote, things like voter I.D. cards or other identification.
Beatty says, however, the overwhelming majority of respondents are interested in things going on around them, they simply aren’t as interested in the political processes coming out of Regina and Ottawa.
She adds many young people are turning to Facebook as a way of keeping in touch with what’s going on with their friends and community.