Where does the Youth Vote lie?

[Josh]

As a young citizen, I am curious to see where the youth seem to stand, and how parties should try and get the youth vote. Personally, I am a Conservative supporter because the Liberals can't be trusted, and the NDP just scares me. I respect their moral concience, but where is the money coming from?!

The election prior showed me two things- the Liberals tried too hard to attract the student vote, offering cash for University. What we were never told was where the money was coming from, and how we would get it. The NDP, admittedly, has a large number of youth supporters, but yet that doesn't get them results. You would think in towns with University populations that the NDP vote would be strong... The Conservatives appealed (and appeal) to me because I am an average Canadian, coming from an average home. I will be off to University in September and will have huge fees to pay- tax cuts will help my parents and I to cover these fees.

How do you attract the youth vote? In my opinion, you don't just offer to throw money at us like the Liberals did, nor do you offer to hand everything to us on a silver platter as the NDP does. Instead, give us real relief where it is needed- at the bank. Just an opinion from the (until July) non-voting youth.

[August1991]

As the table dramatically shows, the youth vote is irrelevant because young people don't vote:

Table 14 Voting and Not Voting in 2000, by Age Cohort

Voted in 2000 Age in 2000

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

68+ 58–67 48–57 38–47 30–37 25–29 21–24 18–20 Total

Yes 83.3 80.4 76.4 66.2 54.2 38.2 27.5 22.4 61.3

No 16.7 19.6 23.6 33.8 45.8 61.8 72.5 77.6 38.7

Elections Canada

In 2000, whereas 83% of people over 68 voted, only 22% of those between 18-20 did so.

[uOttawaMan]

As a young citizen, I am curious to see where the youth seem to stand, and how parties should try and get the youth vote. Personally, I am a Conservative supporter because the Liberals can't be trusted, and the NDP just scares me. I respect their moral concience, but where is the money coming from?!

The election prior showed me two things- the Liberals tried too hard to attract the student vote, offering cash for University. What we were never told was where the money was coming from, and how we would get it. The NDP, admittedly, has a large number of youth supporters, but yet that doesn't get them results. You would think in towns with University populations that the NDP vote would be strong... The Conservatives appealed (and appeal) to me because I am an average Canadian, coming from an average home. I will be off to University in September and will have huge fees to pay- tax cuts will help my parents and I to cover these fees.

How do you attract the youth vote? In my opinion, you don't just offer to throw money at us like the Liberals did, nor do you offer to hand everything to us on a silver platter as the NDP does. Instead, give us real relief where it is needed- at the bank. Just an opinion from the (until July) non-voting youth.

The NDP vote is stronger in University ridings. Look at Ottawa Centre... eek.

[tml12]

As a young citizen, I am curious to see where the youth seem to stand, and how parties should try and get the youth vote. Personally, I am a Conservative supporter because the Liberals can't be trusted, and the NDP just scares me. I respect their moral concience, but where is the money coming from?!

The election prior showed me two things- the Liberals tried too hard to attract the student vote, offering cash for University. What we were never told was where the money was coming from, and how we would get it. The NDP, admittedly, has a large number of youth supporters, but yet that doesn't get them results. You would think in towns with University populations that the NDP vote would be strong... The Conservatives appealed (and appeal) to me because I am an average Canadian, coming from an average home. I will be off to University in September and will have huge fees to pay- tax cuts will help my parents and I to cover these fees.

How do you attract the youth vote? In my opinion, you don't just offer to throw money at us like the Liberals did, nor do you offer to hand everything to us on a silver platter as the NDP does. Instead, give us real relief where it is needed- at the bank. Just an opinion from the (until July) non-voting youth.

The NDP vote is stronger in University ridings. Look at Ottawa Centre... eek.

no doubt...if I had $5 for every "stop Harper" pin displayed around some of the Montreal campusses I'd be richer than Paris Hilton overnight (not quite as sexually appealing though... ).

University students have never, for the most part, experienced real-world issues and been in the business world. Most of my parent's friends who were socialists during their university years are now either moderates or moderate conservatives. You change...most people do.

Anyways, so Ottawaman doesn't go crazy with me I'd say that there are a lot of well-intentioned people in the NDP, just I don't think the party understands what is necessary to raise Canada to the position of being a real power in this world.

[uOttawaMan]

As a young citizen, I am curious to see where the youth seem to stand, and how parties should try and get the youth vote. Personally, I am a Conservative supporter because the Liberals can't be trusted, and the NDP just scares me. I respect their moral concience, but where is the money coming from?!

The election prior showed me two things- the Liberals tried too hard to attract the student vote, offering cash for University. What we were never told was where the money was coming from, and how we would get it. The NDP, admittedly, has a large number of youth supporters, but yet that doesn't get them results. You would think in towns with University populations that the NDP vote would be strong... The Conservatives appealed (and appeal) to me because I am an average Canadian, coming from an average home. I will be off to University in September and will have huge fees to pay- tax cuts will help my parents and I to cover these fees.

How do you attract the youth vote? In my opinion, you don't just offer to throw money at us like the Liberals did, nor do you offer to hand everything to us on a silver platter as the NDP does. Instead, give us real relief where it is needed- at the bank. Just an opinion from the (until July) non-voting youth.

The NDP vote is stronger in University ridings. Look at Ottawa Centre... eek.

no doubt...if I had $5 for every "stop Harper" pin displayed around some of the Montreal campusses I'd be richer than Paris Hilton overnight (not quite as sexually appealing though... ).

University students have never, for the most part, experienced real-world issues and been in the business world. Most of my parent's friends who were socialists during their university years are now either moderates or moderate conservatives. You change...most people do.

Anyways, so Ottawaman doesn't go crazy with me I'd say that there are a lot of well-intentioned people in the NDP, just I don't think the party understands what is necessary to raise Canada to the position of being a real power in this world.

I say we elect TML for prime minister. Because I feel that way about all the parties. Too self interested and concerned with their own preservation and advancement.

[tml12]

uOttawaman,

"I say we elect TML for prime minister."

Good sir, I think you're fantastic. And I couldn't agree more...do you know how good I'd be in Ottawa???

"Because I feel that way about all the parties. Too self interested and concerned with their own preservation and advancement. "

I would put all Canadians first and reward our friends and punish our enemies. My party would not look to preserve itself at the expense of Canada. Yet we would work hard to bring residents from all parts of Canada together to strengthen every region of this country and sacrifice no one and regard no one region as better than another region.

[lost&outofcontrol]

I say we elect TML for prime minister. Because I feel that way about all the parties. Too self interested and concerned with their own preservation and advancement.

I second the motion. TML for PM ! Actually, I think it would be better to establish a compassionate dictatorship under TML. Cut out the middle men/women.

[tml12]

I say we elect TML for prime minister. Because I feel that way about all the parties. Too self interested and concerned with their own preservation and advancement.

I second the motion. TML for PM ! Actually, I think it would be better to establish a compassionate dictatorship under TML. Cut out the middle men/women.

All this attention I'm getting...I must admit I'm honoured...

My dictatorship will be more benevolent than Chretien's, I PROMISE...

[uOttawaMan]

I say we elect TML for prime minister. Because I feel that way about all the parties. Too self interested and concerned with their own preservation and advancement.

I second the motion. TML for PM ! Actually, I think it would be better to establish a compassionate dictatorship under TML. Cut out the middle men/women.

All this attention I'm getting...I must admit I'm honoured...

My dictatorship will be more benevolent than Chretien's, I PROMISE...

Can I be the Chuck Guite to your Chretien?! PLeease. I swear, none of those envelopes will be a problem. I've devised a more effiecient way of carrying cash... hehe.. hollowed out teddy bears. Its genius.

[tml12]

I say we elect TML for prime minister. Because I feel that way about all the parties. Too self interested and concerned with their own preservation and advancement.

I second the motion. TML for PM ! Actually, I think it would be better to establish a compassionate dictatorship under TML. Cut out the middle men/women.

All this attention I'm getting...I must admit I'm honoured...

My dictatorship will be more benevolent than Chretien's, I PROMISE...

Can I be the Chuck Guite to your Chretien?! PLeease. I swear, none of those envelopes will be a problem. I've devised a more effiecient way of carrying cash... hehe.. hollowed out teddy bears. Its genius.

Ottawa,

I'm a Conservative...so I'll not be giving you my money...regardless of how much money is in it. It's time we lowered taxes.

uh-oh, for a minute there I forgot I was writing to you uOttawaman...that's the kind of letter I have been writing to the Liberal governments in Ottawa for years...

Seriously, though, no more corruption under a tml12 government...I'd be happy to have you cross the floor though...

[tml12]

As a young citizen, I am curious to see where the youth seem to stand, and how parties should try and get the youth vote. Personally, I am a Conservative supporter because the Liberals can't be trusted, and the NDP just scares me. I respect their moral concience, but where is the money coming from?!

The election prior showed me two things- the Liberals tried too hard to attract the student vote, offering cash for University. What we were never told was where the money was coming from, and how we would get it. The NDP, admittedly, has a large number of youth supporters, but yet that doesn't get them results. You would think in towns with University populations that the NDP vote would be strong... The Conservatives appealed (and appeal) to me because I am an average Canadian, coming from an average home. I will be off to University in September and will have huge fees to pay- tax cuts will help my parents and I to cover these fees.

How do you attract the youth vote? In my opinion, you don't just offer to throw money at us like the Liberals did, nor do you offer to hand everything to us on a silver platter as the NDP does. Instead, give us real relief where it is needed- at the bank. Just an opinion from the (until July) non-voting youth.

Hey Josh,

Sorry I got a bit distracted (as you can see.)

I think you're a very wise teenager for supporting the CPC...IMHO you're ahead of your age group for sure...

How do you attract the youth vote? Well I kind of like what David Cameron is doing with the Tories in Britain.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4642334.stm

I think Canada's youth needs to feel a belonging to their society. Personally I support compulsory public service (like the UK's old National Service) but any kind of participation will do.

[Josh]

Well, thank you for the kind words tml! I am proud to stand in support of the CPC, and will hopefully one day sit as an MP for the party, and who knows, maybe the Rt. Hon. Josh is in the cards... I live in the grand 'ol riding of Durham, and worked closely with Bev Oda to get her re-elected. Connections to cabinet! WOOT!

[geoffrey]

Josh, or any other youngins (including myself), no harm intended to you with these comments, as your obviously very envolved and the knowledgable in politics.

I really don't like the idea of getting out the youth vote. When you see all these people that are in our age group (lets say the 18-25 group), do you really want most of them choosing your government?

I'd rather see a small informed turn out than a large emotional mass at the polls.

[Slavik44]

Sorry I am going to intrude and end the Conservative love fest.

As for some points,

1. The Liberals attempt to get the student vote was a miserable failure because it woudl have no affect on current University students, and the Canadian student union was very quick to point out the offer was really not that Generous, for many people, including myself, it would have been worse then the current system.

2. The NDP does have a number of youth supporters and Generally polls indicate that 25% of the under 25 segment of voters votes NDP. But the NDP certainly is not the youth power house it is made out to be, but much like this site, the noisy ones are CPC and NDP while the Liberals generally are the silent majority.

3. In university towns the NDP vote is generally fairly strong.

4. As a student tax cuts technically shouldn't appeal to you, as a student you can claim a decent portion fo your tuition as tax credits, in other words as a student generally tax cuts don't directly affect you because come that time of year, you can generally claim all you paid in taxes back.

5. How do you attract the youth vote?

The same way you attract anyones vote, the political system seems to be destined to attract as few voters as possible, clouded with cyniciscm, corruption, lies and attack adds. so how do you attract voters, start by voting for a party that doesn't benifiet from the system and is at the very least willing to consider some elements of change.

[geoffrey]

4. As a student tax cuts technically shouldn't appeal to you, as a student you can claim a decent portion fo your tuition as tax credits, in other words as a student generally tax cuts don't directly affect you because come that time of year, you can generally claim all you paid in taxes back.

I wish, I pay a whopping amount of taxes as a student, so much it has threatened my continuing in university. Full-time students should pay no tax. Yes, no tax!

[Slavik44]

4. As a student tax cuts technically shouldn't appeal to you, as a student you can claim a decent portion fo your tuition as tax credits, in other words as a student generally tax cuts don't directly affect you because come that time of year, you can generally claim all you paid in taxes back.

I wish, I pay a whopping amount of taxes as a student, so much it has threatened my continuing in university. Full-time students should pay no tax. Yes, no tax!

I would agree with the pay no tax sentiments, generally speaking however most university students pay very little in taxes after it is all said and done.

[geoffrey]

4. As a student tax cuts technically shouldn't appeal to you, as a student you can claim a decent portion fo your tuition as tax credits, in other words as a student generally tax cuts don't directly affect you because come that time of year, you can generally claim all you paid in taxes back.

I wish, I pay a whopping amount of taxes as a student, so much it has threatened my continuing in university. Full-time students should pay no tax. Yes, no tax!

I would agree with the pay no tax sentiments, generally speaking however most university students pay very little in taxes after it is all said and done.

Thats probably because most of them are discouraged from actually working during university. It's a hard bargin when you get no additional money over your tution and living expenses after taxes!

[uOttawaMan]

4. As a student tax cuts technically shouldn't appeal to you, as a student you can claim a decent portion fo your tuition as tax credits, in other words as a student generally tax cuts don't directly affect you because come that time of year, you can generally claim all you paid in taxes back.

I wish, I pay a whopping amount of taxes as a student, so much it has threatened my continuing in university. Full-time students should pay no tax. Yes, no tax!

I would agree with the pay no tax sentiments, generally speaking however most university students pay very little in taxes after it is all said and done.

Thats probably because most of them are discouraged from actually working during university. It's a hard bargin when you get no additional money over your tution and living expenses after taxes!

I get all my income tax back.

[geoffrey]

I get all my income tax back.

Lucky you.

[Josh]

4. As a student tax cuts technically shouldn't appeal to you, as a student you can claim a decent portion fo your tuition as tax credits, in other words as a student generally tax cuts don't directly affect you because come that time of year, you can generally claim all you paid in taxes back.

Do I not get to choose what appeals to me and what doesn't?

[geoffrey]

4. As a student tax cuts technically shouldn't appeal to you, as a student you can claim a decent portion fo your tuition as tax credits, in other words as a student generally tax cuts don't directly affect you because come that time of year, you can generally claim all you paid in taxes back.

Do I not get to choose what appeals to me and what doesn't?

Anyone that wants to cut my taxes is in my good books.

I like that it will encourage more job growth for when we all graduate!!

[sideshow]

This is where the youth vote lies. As you can see, a very different Canada.

http://www.studentvote.ca/federal/index.php

[Spike22]

The NDP won in my grand-daughters high school. Looks like nationally in the student vote the NDP came second to the CPC.

[Slavik44]

4. As a student tax cuts technically shouldn't appeal to you, as a student you can claim a decent portion fo your tuition as tax credits, in other words as a student generally tax cuts don't directly affect you because come that time of year, you can generally claim all you paid in taxes back.

Do I not get to choose what appeals to me and what doesn't?

Relaxe dude, I haven't perfected mind my mind control just yet, so for now...

Anyways I was just pointing out something that is generally a fact for university students, being that most pay little to nothing in income taxes so tax breaks may not be as benificial in comparison to other things. Am I not allowed to disagree with you?

[Slavik44]

This is where the youth vote lies. As you can see, a very different Canada.

http://www.studentvote.ca/federal/index.php

For all the crap we give the youth vote, they really didn't return with such a horrible result....

INDP: 1 seats

Green Party: 6 seats

Bloc: 34 seats

Liberals: 52 seats

NDP: 63 seats

Consevatives: 129 seats

Admit it, the country would not fall apart the next day if that was the result, we are left with a fairly strong minority CPC government, and its not as though the Marijauna party got any seats.