Elections are a critical componenet of democracy, yet civic engagement has reached a post-war low in Manitoba. Barely half of all eligible voters showed up to vote in the last three provincial elections. Surveys show that many of these non-voters feel alienated from the political process, or have other priorities on Election Day. Of particular interest is the rate of turnout among youth, aboriginals, and immigrants.
This important Canadian case study addresses the democratic deficit from a wide range of perspectives, providing scholars, observers, and citizens with an accessible account of politics and elections in Manitoba, while illuminating an issue that resonates across the country.
Andrea D. Rounce is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba and Academic Director of the Manitoba Institute for Policy Research (MIPR).
Jared J. Wesley holds an adjunct professor appointment in the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta.