Samantha Reusch (Executive Director, Apathy is Boring): Why Aren't Young People Voting?

Mission Critical with Lance Chung

With a snap election just called for April, the pressure is on to get young Canadians to the polls. But will they show up? Youth voter turnout has historically lagged behind older demographics, and trust in political institutions is at an all-time low. In an era of misinformation, democratic backsliding, and global instability, is democracy failing young people—or have young people lost faith in democracy?

To help unpack these questions, Lance chats with Samantha Reusch, Executive Director of Apathy is Boring—a national, non-partisan organization that has spent 20 years working to increase youth engagement in Canadian democracy. A leading voice on democratic reform and voter participation, Samantha has dedicated her career to ensuring young people feel heard in the political process. Under her leadership, Apathy is Boring has helped mobilize thousands of first-time voters.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ Why youth voter turnout remains low—and what’s keeping young Canadians from the polls.

✅ How global politics is shaping youth perceptions of democracy.

✅ The role of misinformation, social media, and tech algorithms in political disengagement.

✅ What needs to change in Canada’s electoral system to better serve young voters.

✅ Apathy is Boring’s innovative strategies to mobilize youth, including Count Us In and Table Topics.

✅ Samantha’s call to action for young Canadians ahead of the 2024 Canadian federal election.

This election could define a generation. But what will it take to get young Canadians to the polls? Let's get into it.

🔗 Resources & Links:

📌 Apathy is Boring: apathyisboring.com

📌 Take the vote pledge: https://www.apathyisboring.com/votepledge

📌 The Feed newsletter: https://www.apathyisboring.com/feed