New Canadians cherish their right to vote, ICC study finds

Through focus groups across Canada, it also explored this increasingly important block of voters’ reasons for voting and not voting, as well as their civic engagement beyond the ballot box.

“In 2014, Canada swore in more than 260,000 new citizens. As these people enter the body politic, by definition, they are also changing it. The ICC felt an election year was the perfect moment to examine the ongoing evolution of the Canadian voter,” said Charlie Foran, the institute’s CEO.

“We learned that new citizens believe in political participation, and are finding plenty of ways to become involved. We also learned that they definitely value the vote, and want to overcome any practical barriers that might keep them from casting their ballot.”

The key findings of the report, titled “Ballots & Belonging”:

• 48 per cent of new citizens felt permanent residents should be allowed to vote in municipal elections;

• 23 per cent reported having emailed or called an elected official about an issue;

• 26 per cent had personally spoken with a candidate during their first election;

• 10 per cent had put a candidate sign on the front lawn;

• 5 per cent had donated money to a political party or candidate;

• 12 per cent had attended an all-candidates debate/meeting;

• 7 per cent had volunteered on a political campaign;

• 6 per cent had become a member of a political party;

• 46 per cent cited lack of knowledge of the issues and knowledge of the process as reasons not to vote;

• 6 per cent said they didn’t vote because of the lack of interest and dissatisfaction with the government or political system.

Source: New Canadians cherish their right to vote, study finds | Toronto Star