Following the recent U.S. midterm elections, Dalhousie University students gathered at the Women in Politics (WIP) fall social in Halifax, expressing optimism about the future of political engagement. Kristina Forrer, a fourth-year student, felt inspired by the outcomes, which included significant Democratic gains in traditionally Republican regions. She remarked that witnessing some positive electoral results could encourage young people to recognize the impact of their political participation.
Forrer noted the challenges posed by pervasive negativity in media and social platforms, stating, “Sometimes when we’re seeing negativity… it can feel very heavy and just hard to feel motivated that the actions you take… will make a difference.” She believes these election results could remind young individuals that their involvement can effect meaningful change.
The discussions at the event highlighted the potential implications of these electoral results for political participation and democracy. Marley Price, WIP’s former president and current president of Dalhousie’s Political Science Society, emphasized the opportunity for youth engagement spurred by heightened interest in American politics. She observed that many students hosted midterm watch parties, reflecting a broader eagerness to engage with political issues, despite low voter turnout in Nova Scotia’s last provincial election, where only 16.6 percent of eligible voters aged 18 to 24 participated.
“We need to engage with this, because if not us, who is gonna stand up for our rights when they’re infringed upon?”
Price characterized democracy as a crucial privilege that requires active participation from young people. She urged her peers to appreciate their rights and advocate for them, stating, “We need to engage with this, because if not us, who is gonna stand up for our rights when they’re infringed upon?”
Gabrielle Conrad, WIP’s Co-strategic growth coordinator, discussed the importance of representation in fostering political engagement. She noted that electing candidates from underrepresented backgrounds could help demystify political institutions for younger generations, making them feel more accessible. “Politics may no longer be an old white man’s game but rather a game of the people,” Conrad said, expressing a hopeful outlook for increased voter participation among Gen Z.
Iain Rankin, MLA for Timberlea-Prospect and interim leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, shared similar sentiments, describing the midterm results as a win for progressive politics. He emphasized that the outcomes reflected voters’ ability to challenge established political interests, asserting, “People really do have a voice. There actually is an avenue to reject the status quo.”
As the event concluded, Forrer left with a sense of hope, believing that the enthusiasm and motivation displayed in the gathering could inspire young people across Canada. “I’m hopeful that the future generations and young people will be inspired and excited to take more action,” she said, reiterating the importance of valuing and exercising the right to vote.
