The invisible vote

We've heard it time and time again - young people don't vote.

And to a certain extent, it's true.  Young people feel disenfranchised, they see many problems with the political system, they don't feel voting leads to meaningful change, so they don't vote.

And to a certain extent, who can blame them?  Party politics force elected representatives vote a certain way on issues, against their conscience or against the express wishes of local people.

However, the flip side is: if the extent of your political involvement is casting a ballot in each election, is it realistic to expect substantial changes in our political system? Of course not.

If you had a house that needed major renovations, would you show up once a year, put on a coat of paint and leave feeling satisfied? Not likely.

If we want real changes, we must make a real effort.

This story illustrates precisely the problems that arise when a certain demographic doesn't show up at the ballot box: the needs of those people become invisible.

What are political parties promising?  And who is targeted by these promises?

Well for starters - EI and Seasonal workers.  Mostly older folks who have been working in these industries for a long time.  Most younger people can't afford to work seasonally, they have too much debt or the wages aren't high enough / regular enough to support themselves or a family.  Those young people have gone out west.  So their political priorities are invisible.

Moose hunt - An easy promise to make. Will pull well with rural votes, who tend to skew older as well.  But do we really think that the future of NB is suddenly going to be brighter because a few people in orange get to shoot a moose in the fall?  And if our forestry policy destroys their habitat, will there be enough moose to even have a meaningful hunt?

Pensions - Very controversial at the time, although the dust seems to have settled a bit.  Lots of retired teachers could be motivated to go to the ballot box on this.  And guess what - retired people have different priorities than young people.  No disrespect to them, they're within their rights to mobilize on the issue, it has a big impact on them.  But again, young people?  Invisible.

So, there you have it.  To win elections, candidates need to get the most votes.  Period. They are going to tailor their campaigns to win those votes. To do otherwise would be a waste of their time and make them vulnerable to their opponents.

But, by not participating in the political process, even at the most elementary level, ie. voting in general elections, you are effectively telling politicians that you see no need for change, that there is nothing government policy can do to improve your life or the society in which you live, everything is fine, carry on as you were etc. Good job, fellas.

Is that really the message young people in New Brunswick should be sending?

I think not.