More Statistics about Youth and Voter Apathy

by Apathy is Boring Intern Patrick Burkhard — July 17, 2007

Some incredibly interesting work is and has been done concerning the vast problem of youth voter apathy.  It is not hopeless though; far from it, as a matter of fact.  Youth themselves are interested in this issue and do express a desire to be both politically active and conscious.  With this comes the desire to vote. 

One such piece of work is an April 2006 study by the Innovative Research group, entitled The Democracy Project.  It was a pan-Canadian study aimed at looking at the political situation of Canada’s youth.  Please visit http://www.thedemocracyproject.ca/ for more information as well a copy of the document itself – it was extremely interesting to read.  All forthcoming statistics are directly taken from the group’s final report. 

Findings of the study include:

The most important issues to youth today:
    1.    Cost of education (22%)
    2.    Education in general (16%)
    3.    Drugs (8%)
    4.    Crime and Violence (7%)
    5.    Health care (5%)
    6.    The Environment (5%)

The study also asked respondents two general political questions to test political knowledge.  Based on this, the study found a general, direct correlation between expressing a desire to vote and being politically knowledgeable, as 80 % of those who answered both questions correctly said they would vote, 52 % of those who answered one question correctly said they would vote and 30 % of those who answered neither question correctly said they would vote.

86% of respondents said they are concerned with low voter turnout.

93% stated they were likely to vote when they are of age, 66 % stating they were extremely likely to vote when of age.

When asked what could be done to increase youth voter turnout:
    1.    Discuss youth topics (25%)
    2.    Advertising/awareness (14%)
    3.    Making youth understand politics (12%)
    4.    The use of Incentives (11%)

83% indicated they would be more likely to vote if they could do so online

53% state they have discussed politics with friends or family over the past month.

50% stated they were likely to join a political party, 20 % extremely likely, 23 % not likely at all.

Reasons for not joining a political party:
    1.    Time Commitment (13%)
    2.    Not Interested (10%)
    3.    Parties don’t encompass their personal views (9%)
    4.    Dislike of Politics (9%)
    5.    Dislike of Politicians (9%)
    6.    Don’t want to commit to a party (7%)
    7.    Age (7%)
    8.    Don’t know enough about the parties (6%)

8% of respondents reported already being a member of a political party

73% responded they have not been asked to participate in politics directly by a politician or a political party.

What can political parties do to encourage respondents to become more involved in politics?:
    1.    Address Youth issues (20%)
    2.    Be honest and truthful (10%)
    3.    Direct recruiting (10%)
    4.    Explaining to youth directly why they should be become involved in politics (9%)
    5.    Make politics interesting (6%)
    6.    Creating youth programs (4%)

89 % agreed it is the duty of every citizen to vote

As can be seen, this study has drawn out some pretty interesting conclusions as well as overall observations about youth and their attitudes towards politics.  It appears that youth have a desire to be engaged and express an earnest desire to vote and take part in the political process.  Come election time however, this interest has not been translating into direct election results.  This is where politicians and the political system must respond to draw youth back into the public sphere.  

Source:Source: Innovate Research Group - The Democracy Project