McMaster welcomes Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer to evaluate the health of our democracy

In the face of declining voter turnout, disinformation and cybersecurity threats, how does Ontario make sure that democracy is protected?

That was the focus of a compelling talk by Greg Essensa, Chief Electoral Officer of Ontario, on September 14 in the L.R. Wilson Concert Hall.

Elections Ontario was invited to give the talk by members of CIVDEM@Mac: A Partnered Learning Pathway in Civic Vitality, Democracy and Elections Management.

In his candid speech, Essensa spoke of the many challenges facing democracy in Ontario. Above all, he warned of the long-term decline in voter turnout rates.

“We are on a straight line down,” he said. “We have been this way since 1920. This is true for voting in Ontario, and most western democracies. For the health of our democracy, we need to begin to have serious discussion about turnout. What are the things we can look at?”

And one of those things, he said, was the declining trust in the electoral process, which has historically been high in Canada, but is showing signs of cracking.

“I see the health of democracy as so critical, because it is so cherished. I’m invited to speak to elections bodies all around the world, because Canadians have such trust in the electoral system, and that our system works,” said Essensa. “People are so interested in how we have such trust in the electoral system. But as this trust declines, and as it continues to decline, the interest in that will begin to wane. That’s what I’m concerned about.”

The decline in voter turnout was particularly pronounced among the younger generations. Data shows that young people are far less likely to vote than their parents and grandparents, and one of EO’s tasks is to ensure that young people are engaged in the democratic process.

“My role is to ensure that every one of you, family members, and anyone who is eligible to vote knows where to vote, when to vote, how to vote, and what they need to do to vote.”

And on that note, Essensa had a plea for all the students in the concert hall: to encourage their friends and peers to vote, and to get involved personally, either through volunteering for parties and candidates, or by working for EO itself.

CIVDEM is a proposed academic program at McMaster which would provide students from all disciplines with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in shaping democracy.