Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1521 - Voter Turnout, & Age with Jo-Ann Roberts

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Jo-Ann Roberts — writer, democracy advocate, and former Interim Leader of the Green Party of Canada — for an urgent and thought-provoking conversation about the state of Canadian democracy. Drawing from her book Storm the Ballot Box: An Insider’s Guide to a Voting Revolution, Jo-Ann breaks down why more Canadians than ever are choosing not to vote, with participation among young people at a troubling low.Together, they explore why lowering the voting age to 16 could help reverse the trend, how other countries are already making the change, and what the research reveals about young voters’ long-term engagement. The conversation also tackles broader democratic reforms, from mandatory voting and recall elections to improved civic education and greater political accountability. It’s a timely, energizing episode that asks a crucial question: could empowering young voters be the key to revitalizing Canada’s democracy?