Your Vote, Your Voice: Why Students Need to Vote in the Federal Election

With the 2025 federal election underway, Western students have the powerful opportunity to shape the country’s future: by voting. 

While it’s easy to feel like one vote won’t make a difference, the truth is that student issues are political issues.

From housing and job creation to financial aid, the everyday experience of being a student is deeply shaped by government decisions. 

Essentially, your post-secondary experience at Western is on the ballot.

Why You Should Care

Michelle Wodchis-Johnson, Vice President External Affairs of the USC, puts it plainly: “Your post-secondary experiences are fundamentally political.”

She explains that policy decisions made at every level of government directly impact how much students pay in rent, their access to student residences, and the availability of financial aid. 

Wodchis-Johnson also points out a troubling trend: our age group (18 to 24) has the lowest voter turnout of any age group in past Canadian elections. 

In the 2021 federal election, only 46.7% of people in this bracket voted, compared to over 74% of voters aged 65 and older. 

When young people don’t vote, it sends a message that our needs can be overlooked. 

But when we participate, it’s a different story.

“If we are actually going to the polls and show that we care, it makes politicians realize that we are engaged, we are listening, and we care what they do for us.” says Wodchis-Johnson.

What’s on the Line for Us

So, which issues in this election actually affect students?

“The issue of job creation will be major, specifically funding to programs that work to make sure there’s greater availability of internships, co-ops, and other opportunities,” answers Wodchis-Johnson. 

For example, the federal government funds programs like the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, which helps thousands of students secure paid summer work. 

These kinds of programs often rely on federal grants to stay afloat. But without this support, students may find themselves shut out of valuable, accessible experience. 

Another issue? Housing.

The federal government has significant influence on shaping the broader housing environment that directly affects students, like the ability to access affordable housing and university residence. 

“And while student financial aid isn’t being discussed as much as it should be, it’s still impacted by the federal government,” Wodchis-Johnson adds.

Decisions made federally also influence how post-secondary institutions support international students, many of whom are struggling with housing shortages and affordability.

These issues aren’t abstract. They shape our day-to-day lives as students.

How the USC is Helping You Stay Informed

To support student voters, the USC is rolling out several initiatives to increase awareness and participation, such as sharing key election and voting information on social media, so you can stay informed. 

Behind the scenes, Wodchis-Johnson is working with leaders to communicate what each party plans to do for students.

Most importantly, Wodchis-Johnson points to a key resource that will help students vote easily. “The Western Votes website is a great resource where you can download a letter to provide as proof of address when you are going to the polls.”

If your driver’s license or ID shows a permanent address outside of London, you’ll need that letter to vote locally. The website offers a quick, accessible way to make that happen. You can find more information about where to vote on election day here, and what pieces of ID are accepted here. 

The Power of the Student Vote

When students show up to vote, we raise the volume on the issues that matter to us. 

And the reality is, politicians cater their policies to those who show up at the ballot box. By voting, we show them that our concerns can’t be sidelined. 

“I’m voting in the upcoming Canadian federal election because our future is at stake,” Wodchis-Johnson shares. “Issues like affordable and accessible education, student debt, social liberties, and job opportunities directly affect me and my peers. Voting is the easiest way to ensure that my voice is heard, and that Canadian policies align with my values.”

That’s why voting matters so much right now. It’s how we prove that our futures matter. That our voices are worth hearing. That our communities deserve better.

This election, take the time to get informed, get organized, and get voting.

Your voice matters. Let it be heard.