Why voter turnout is lower among First Nations – CBC

Aug 12, 2015

It became common practice that aboriginal people did not take part in “white man’s voting”

Political candidates who are counting on support from indigenous people are often told they usually don’t vote.

There is no data that can absolutely confirm this adage but numerous studies indicate the voter turnout rate in federal elections for First Nations people is generally lower than the national average, sometimes by a substantial percentage.

The Assembly of First Nations claims that the First Nations vote could affect the outcome in at least 51 ridings in Canada and could make the difference between electing a majority or a minority government. If this could provide First Nations with influence in a balance of power situation, they are paying a huge price by not participating in the political process in numbers their population should warrant.

Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/why-voter-turnout-is-lower-among-first-nations-1.3188572