In a country known for having a low voter turnout in recent elections, some youth set a better example through early engagement in politics.
Jonathan Halasz, 19, has already actively participated in two elections as a Green party supporter. In the general election last month, Halasz worked as youth coordinator for the Green party.
“I’ve been a supporter of the Green party since 2008, and since then I’ve gone on to do volunteering in the party’s national office in Ottawa,” said Halasz, a third-year political science student at Carleton.
According to Halasz, his interest in politics was not inherited or based on institution. Instead, he was inspired by the Green party’s pragmatic approach to politics, and in the 2008 election federal leader Elizabeth May made a strong impression on him.
“[I] was inspired by how articulate and personable [May] was during that campaign. Her performance in the leaders’ debate really solidified my support for the party, and I have been a party member since then,” said Halasz.
Halasz already sees politics in his future. He said his experience with the Green party in the last election helped him to fully understand the possibilities of his major, and going into politics is a strong possibility.
“I’m planning on doing another degree after I’m done with [political science], something more specialized, but I do think that politics is in my future.”
Regarding the youth vote, Halasz has one final observation to make.
“Youth participation is important,” he said. “One thing that you should probably take away from this election is that the youth vote can completely shape the political scene. It’s an overlooked demographic that politicians really have to start paying attention to.”