Hannah Baillie, Editor.
Civic engagement amongst Canada’s youth population is declining. In the 2019 federal election, only 54 per cent of eligible voters aged 18-24 cast their ballot. And the problem extends well beyond federal politics. In Halifax’s 2016 municipal election, only 31.7 per cent of eligible voters turned out to vote. With the upcoming mayoral election on Oct. 17, 2020, it is time for us to start thinking about civic engagement.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Halifax’s mayoral race wasn’t receiving much media attention; that is, until 22-year-old Max Taylor decided to throw his hat into the ring. On Sept. 9, 2020, while most people his age were preparing for their return to class, Max Taylor was gearing up for a municipal election.
Coming from a background in writing, Max Taylor is most well-known for his presence on the popular social media site TikTok where he has attracted nearly 635,000 followers and upwards of 20 million likes on his videos. Platform and campaigning aside, his social media presence will undoubtedly have an impact on voter turnout, especially in the youth category.
“Get out and vote” is a key element of Taylor’s platform, as stated on his campaign website. He also adds that “I don’t care who you vote for, I care that you vote.” And while Taylor’s transition to politics may seem like a bit of a leap from his previous endeavours, there is no disputing that his aim to increase voter turnout is valuable.
Mike Savage, who has been Halifax’s mayor since 2012, and Matt Whitman, councillor for Hammonds Plains-St. Margarets, are also running in Halifax’s mayoral race. Whitman’s platform focuses on three main ideas: celebrating history and heritage, protecting tax dollars, and planning for sustainable growth. Savage’s platform focuses on economic recovery from COVID-19, while also setting goals around food security, poverty, and committing to the HalifACT climate change strategy.
Given the increased importance of digital marketing in this year’s campaign, one might expect to see increased voter turnout amongst young people. The lack of social events, doorknocking, and speaking engagements because of COVID-19 have forced the mayoral candidates to shift their campaign strategies onto social media. As Mike Savage said in a recent interview: “I get invited to some events, but there are a lot less, so we have to rely on social media.” In doing so, the candidates can engage with a younger demographic of voters that have traditionally been alienated from the political process.
Whether you resonate with Matt Whitman’s three-pillar platform, Mike Savage’s record as Halifax’s mayor, or Max Taylor’s mission to increase voter turnout, one thing remains certain – you must vote. After all, voting is one of the most important aspects of Canada’s democratic system. It is our right, our responsibility, and our privilege. And it is one that we should not take for granted.
For information on how to vote in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 17, 2020, visit https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/elections .
