The weakening of our democratic values and the growth of extremism
The Deconsolidation of Democracy is a 2016 report by researchers Roberto Foa and Yascha Mounk which details the decline in democratic values worldwide. It's based on an analysis of the World Values Survey over the past three decades. More and more people are turning to extremist alternatives and this is most pronounced among young people.
What about Canadians? Are we turning more and more to extremism? Unfortunately Canada ceased to participate in the World Values Survey so we don't know. However we do know that interest in voting is declining and that it is a generational phenomenon.
What about Canadians? Are we turning more and more to extremism? Unfortunately Canada ceased to participate in the World Values Survey so we don't know. However we do know that interest in voting is declining and that it is a generational phenomenon.
Estimated voter turnout by province or territory, age group and gender (2015 federal election)
Estimated voter turnout by province or territory, age group and gender (2011 federal election)Estimated voter turnout by province or territory, age group and gender (2011 federal election)
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2. Declining voter turnout in Canada
The general trend is towards a declining youth voter turnout across Canada, but it is particularly pronounced in the 18 to 24 age category.
Voter turnout by age (1965–2000)Here is an Elections Canada chart that shows voter turnout by age in Canada.
The trends to notice:
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3. Dramatic decline in the youth vote in the 21st century
Here is an Elections Canada graph showing voter turnout across all age groups in the 2006 federal election.
Points to notice:
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