Inspiring Youth #VOTE16
C
oncerns that young people may not have the levels of
political knowledge, lived-experience, and civic
engagement necessary to vote in elections are not
unreasonable, but this lack of political engagement
among youth is more the byproduct of the social and political
failures to involve and excite youth, than it is some biological-
aversion to politics that fades with age. The introduction or
revitalization of a robust civic education for people of all ages,
coupled with political groups targeting young people and youth-
focused issues, and galvanized by the granting of voting rights to
youth under 18, would inspire us and other young Canadians to
civic engagement.
Empowering and equipping youth and community groups with
the resources, finances, and man-power as an additional
medium for political education would make youth more
comfortable getting involved. Within politics there are many
adult voices, leading to a generational barrier. However, by
involving youth groups and youth advocates for younger
