Days from the Ontario election, first-time voters in Thunder Bay, Ont., prepare to cast their ballots
Sarah Law | CBC News | Posted: February 25, 2025 9:00 AM | Last Updated: February 25
Confederation College invites students to 'pizza and politics' session Tuesday
Ontario's snap election marks the first time Jay Plourde will be able to cast a ballot, something she says makes her feel empowered.
"Especially in my teenage years, I was an advocate for a lot of things that I didn't feel like I could actually have an input on," said Plourde, a first-year film production student at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ont.
"Now, even if it's a small role, I feel like I actually am heard."
The Student Union of Confederation College (SUCCI) is hosting a "pizza and politics" session on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., where local candidates have been invited to speak with students and share information about their platforms.
"Information is key. How are you supposed to be able to make good decisions on who you want to speak on your behalf at a provincial level if you don't know anything about them?" said SUCCI president Robin Gathercole.
"It's just making sure that people are aware of who's out there, how they can help you, and just allow them to make the best decisions possible."
WATCH | First-time voters share why they're casting their ballots
In both the Thunder Bay—Atikokan riding and Thunder Bay—Superior North, voter turnout in the 2022 provincial election hovered just above 43 per cent.
SUCCI has partnered with Ontario Student Voices in hopes of increasing student engagement in politics, as well as spreading awareness on issues that matter most to them, said Gathercole.
While he admits he hasn't participated in every election, Gathercole said even if someone doesn't like any of the candidates on the ballot, submitting a blank ballot is better than not voting at all.
"It's by turning up and actually voting, at least I can give my opinion," he said. "I don't know who I'm voting for yet, but I'm a little more involved in it this year than I have been in the past."
'Don't doubt yourself'
For Plourde and her classmate, Caleb Noble, social issues are top of mind in this election, namely making sure there are inclusive spaces for everyone to feel safe and supported.
"[I] want to make sure everyone can live their truest self and not have to worry about anything," said Noble.
LISTEN | Checking in with first-time voters at Confederation College
Monica Wesley, who is in the administrative clerk program at the college, is another first-time voter. She said the looming threat of tariffs from the U.S. is a key concern for her.
"We're the next generation, so for us to be the next leaders in the future, we should be involving ourselves and just getting more information — and hopefully, we're heard," said Wesley.
With the provincial election just two days away, Plourde said it's important for voters to stay true to their beliefs.
"Don't doubt yourself. First of all, there are a lot of people who are super hesitant, who feel like they should just go with things that are the most popular," she said. "Especially in the current state, what we need is people who are willing to take a risky step."