Hanan Nanaa

Syrian-Canadian advocate. She is Head of XU Votes initiative that aims to increase youth voter turnout, and President of the Politics and Governance Association- Ryerson University.

(Disclaimer this article does not promote the agenda or ideologies of any political party. This piece intends to guide you in making this decision an easier process)

The 2021 Canadian federal election (formally the 44th Canadian general election) will take place on September 20, 2021. The writs of the election were issued by Governor-General Mary May Simon on August 15, 2021, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau requested the dissolution of Parliament for a snap election. However, there have been several changes since 2019; the largest was the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide crisis that threatened human life, impacted the global economy, increased domestic violence rates, mental health issues, and overwhelmed the health care system. According to the Democracy Index 2020 Report by The Economist Intelligence Unit, “COVID-19 had a strong impact on Canada’s democracy score which cited government restrictions as dragging down Canada’s score for the functioning of the government.” 

In the light of the pandemic and the 2021 federal elections, many issues have been under heated debate. Canadians across the country are still mourning the horrible discoveries of Indigenous children’s remains from the residential school. Canadians are calling on party leaders to address Indigenous reconciliation and take immediate actions. Climate change, systemic racism, and affordability are also on the front page for policymakers, advocates, and community leaders while bringing awareness to voting in the upcoming election. While everyone is preparing to head to the ballot box on Monday, September 20th, the question remains; will party leaders stop promises and take actions to ensure vulnerable communities are guaranteed justice?

Challenges Facing Youth Voter Turnout

According to Elections Canada data, in the 2019 federal election, the participation of voters aged 18 to 24 decreased by 3.2 percentage points to 53.9% in 2019 after seeing the largest increase for that age group in the 2015 general election (57.1%). This is 25% lower than those 65 to 74 years. To offer additional support to electors and to increase youth voter turnout, Elections Canada launched a project during the 2015 general election called Vote on Campus. As a result, offices opened in 39 post-secondary campuses across the country. While the initiative primarily targeted youth, any eligible voter who wished to vote at these offices could do so. Over 70,000 electors cast their votes through this initiative. This turnout accounted for about 9% of the total targeted population. This was a successful project for Elections Canada; they decided to re-launch the project again in the 2019 General Election. The project was expanded to 121 offices at 109 post-secondary institutions across 86 electoral districts (EDs) and increased the hours and days of operation.  This year, the Vote on Campus program is canceled due to timing and COVID-19 restrictions. 

As I work with youth, I have been observing the challenges they are facing to cast their vote for the 2021 federal election. The biggest challenge facing all Canadians is COVID-19 as well for youth, ​​explicitly voting on campus is not. Concerns are rising as Elections Canada decided not to run on-campus voting programs this year. However, students did have alternative ways to cast their votes. Students who are living away from the address they consider to be their home can vote; In person at any Elections Canada office across Canada or by mail. Students who want to vote using the address where they live while away at school can vote; on elections day, at advance polling, by mail, and in-person at any elections Canada office across Canada. If they can, they may also travel to vote in person at advance or election day polls in the riding of their home address.

Being passionate about democracy and youth participation despite the cancellation of the Vote on Campus program and COVID-19 being the biggest challenge for students, This election, I wanted to connect with students and make voting accessible for them. While the majority of students are still doing virtual classes, and on-campus activities are restricted, I start working for XU Votes (formally known as Ryerson Votes). This is a campus-wide non-partisan campaign that increased voter turnout by 55% in the 2019 federal election, the highest in Ontario and the third highest in Canada. This year XU Votes aimed to work collaboratively with students unions, university staff, alumni, community organizations to help students understand the significance of voting and make democracy accessible to all through digital campaigns, hosting candidates debates specifically for students to meet candidates and voice their concerns, TikTok videos, and other digital content to ensure students are informed of their options to vote. 

Why does democracy matter?

Having been a Syrian myself, I have witnessed people dying to participate in fundamental human rights, to share their voice, and be part of democracy. I think of those around the world calling out for democracy where voting is not allowed to them and those who are detained for advocating for the voiceless and for justice to be served. Escaping a horrible war and living in a democratic country like Canada, where voting is accessible,  I feel obligated to honor those who lost their lives for us to vote and make our voice heard and our communities represented, I feel motivated to educate my fellow Canadians because voting is our responsibility to ensure vulnerable communities are heard and ensure leaders are held accountable for their actions and their promises on issues that matter to us, such as climate change, mental health, affordability, education, truth, and reconciliations, are addressed. Voting leads us to be part of current and future policies to shape the vision of a better Canada for all. Elections are a chance to make our voice heard; because our voice matters and we must do our parts on September 20. 

What do we need to know about the 2021 Federal Election ?

The general elections are usually called on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Governor-General dissolves Parliament. The Governor in Council (the Governor-General, acting on the advice of Cabinet) sets the date of the election. According to the law, election day must be at least 36 days and no more than 50 days after an election is called. This year, the federal election will take place on Monday, September 20. This year, Canadians were able to cast their vote through advance polling, by mail, and by a special ballot process at any Elections Canada office across Canada.

The only option now is Voting on election day at the assigned polling station for the residents on election day, Monday, September 20, 2021. Polls will be open for 12 hours, although hours vary by time zone. To find your polling station, check your voter information card or use our Voter Information Service.

We are fully aware that politics is taboo in social circles, but a simple civil conversation does not hurt. Starting conversations with loved ones can help better understand their perspective and others’ opinions about the political climate. Doing research, checking party platforms helps to stay informed.