Low voter turnout a symptom of a greater problem says UW professor

The last time Ontarians went to the polls it was June 2022 and only 44 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot.

This time around, voters are likely to be dealing with freezing temperatures as they wait in line and that’s not to mention the frustration of having a provincial election a year and a half early and only a few months before a huge federal election.

All those factors are excuses that could keep people from performing their civic duty. The result is low voter turnout and some experts worry the numbers could be lower than 2022.

But even with the excuses, what is leading to fewer people engaging with politics? What has changed?

Peter Woolstencroft, Professor Emeritus, Political Science, University of Waterloo was a guest on The Mike Farwell Show. He thinks the blame, at least partially, lies with the education system.

“There is a tremendous decline in our understanding of what it means to be a citizen. And, I blame the school system. I don’t see much in the schooling from elementary to Grade 12. In which people understand what it is to be a citizen in the community.”

He said what then happens is people fall into the line of thinking that all politicians are the same and all parties are the same, so it doesn’t matter who gets elected, the results will be the same either way.

“When I talk to young people, and I’m privileged to do that, I see a self-possession but not much interest in the broader community,” Woolstencroft said. “If you have an interest in the broader community, that leads you to think about voting and using your influence.”

What results, according to Woolstencroft, is a vicious cycle where fewer people look to put their hat in the ring leading to a diluted talent pool.

That then leads to uninspiring candidates, which fails to draw voters to the polls.

Woolstencroft said what people really need to know is that their vote matters and voting is very much worthwhile.

Election Day in Ontario is Feb. 27.