With only days left before B.C. determines its next government, 30-year-old Raymond Squires says he’s still unsure which way he’ll vote, but that the cost of living will certainly influence his decision.
“It’s getting pretty expensive for rent and food,” he said, adding that he supports two children.
Squires is just one of thousands of young voters who candidates, pollsters and researchers say could define the B.C. election on Saturday, despite historically being the least likely age group to cast a ballot.
Data from Elections B.C. shows in the 2020 provincial election, about 41 per cent of registered voters aged 18-34 actually voted. That’s the lowest turnout of any age group — second to voters aged 45-54, which saw a turnout of about 45 per cent.
Those aged 65-74 had the highest rate of participation in the previous election, with a nearly 70 per cent turnout.
Still, young people make up a significant block of voters. According to Elections B.C., about one in five registered voters were under the age of 35 in 2020. In 2017, a surge in youth voting helped elect the B.C. NDP.
This year, their votes could spell a different story, according to some experts.
Sanjay Jeram, a political science researcher at Simon Fraser University, said while young voters are still a complex group with diverse voting interests, many are starting to consider voting for right-leaning parties.
“It’s a very recent phenomenon,” he said.
Historically, young voters have voted more progressively, but Jeram said many may feel disenfranchised by the incumbent government over issues of affordability.
“Younger voters now … may be more concerned about pocketbook issues and the prospects that they have,” he said.
Steven Mossop, executive vice-president of Leger’s Western Canada team, said their polls are showing the same shift.
“There does seem to be a movement afoot across the country and in B.C. towards the right,” he said. “That trend seems to be entrenched for a couple of years now.”
Mossop also agreed with Jeram that affordability is a top issue.
The cost of living is playing into how younger voters are looking at the election. Paul Kershaw, a UBC policy professor and the founder of Generation Squeeze, joins us to explain whether it’s a deal-breaker for them.
Nolan Gorelik, a business student at the University of British Columbia, said he identifies with the B.C. Conservative Party’s messaging about the cost of living pushing youth to leave the province.
“It’s sad,” Gorelik said. “Why would you work in a place where you can only make so much, but the cost is this much?”
Anoushka Sharma, a UBC political science student and a first-time voter, said rising costs is definitely a top issue for youth.
“Cost of living is a big deal, especially when people are looking to rent. Rent is expensive.”
Still, she said she’s surprised to hear about the Conservative’s appeal to youth, saying her values don’t line up with the party.
Young candidates aim to sway voters
Young candidates from B.C.’s top three parties say they expect voters under the age 35 will be tuned into this year’s election.
B.C. Conservative Party candidate for Burnaby East Simon Chandler, 25, told On The Coast last week he sees many young people around him getting more involved in politics.
“At the end of the day, we’re the ones who are going to be inheriting this province,” he said. “So we’re making sure we have a good province to inherit, that we can actually live in.”
For Chandler, affordability is a top priority.
“We’re seeing skyrocketing prices across the board everywhere,” he said. “It’s becoming completely unlivable.”
Ravi Parmar, 29, is the B.C. NDP candidate for Langford-Juan de Fuca. As the incumbent MLA for that riding, Parmar was also the youngest representative in the B.C. legislature.
“I’m seeing a lot of young people engaged in politics,” he said, adding those voters are concerned about a rising cost of living and dwindling housing opportunities — both of which he said are also priorities for his party.
On The Coast10:50Youth in politics
Some of the youngest politicians in this provincial election share their thoughts on being a politician and the big issues facing young people right now.
B.C. Green Party candidate for Saanich South Ned Taylor, 25, said while the rising cost of living is an important issue for young voters, many are also concerned about climate change and how difficult it is to access health care.
“People are ready for change,” he said. “We want a future to look forward to.”
With advance voting now closed in B.C., residents can cast their ballots at a district electoral office or at a polling station on Saturday.