Young Quebec voters say parties aren't addressing their priorities ahead of October election

Young voters in Quebec feel politically invisible. In interviews this week, university and CÉGEP students said they're passionate about solving the rising cost of living but frustrated that political parties aren't addressing their concerns.

"The reason that I'm not really into politics is because I don't feel seen," said Amy Giraldeau, a UQAM student. "It's always the same: it's the politicians talking and talking but they're not doing anything," added Sofia Campeau, a McGill University student.

The frustration is reflected in turnout numbers. Just over 50 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds voted in both of Quebec's last two provincial elections—significantly lower than older voters. But experts say the gap stems from trust issues, not apathy. "These motivational barriers include not necessarily trusting that political parties or politicians have their best interest," said Erika De Torres, director of impact and development at Apathy Is Boring.

Young people's top concerns include affording rent and groceries, and accessing doctors. Lia Desiderato, a CÉGEP Marie-Victorin student, said, "I think that their priorities are perhaps not in the right place for my values." Elliot Lord, another McGill student, noted that parties are "really attacking immigration and stuff like that. I don't think that's necessarily the solution to the housing crisis." Sofia Campeau added: "I don't have a family doctor right now. If you don't have the funds to pay and go to private, it is extremely expensive. It's not something we should be paying for."

The Interjeunes Coalition has launched a province-wide youth mobilization campaign during the election. "It's not just to make them interested in politics, but also to make it so that young people are unavoidable for politicians, or it's really embarrassing not to talk to them," said Annick Daigneault, the coalition's mobilization, communication and events coordinator.

De Torres stressed that politicians need to show up where young people actually are: "It's really a matter of whether or not the politicians or political parties make an effort to actually show up to where young people are at." Political analyst Daniel Tran noted that addressing cost of living inherently helps young people: "When you are addressing cost of living, you are also de facto hinting that you are helping the young people as well." Parties also face a broader challenge—balancing automation of entry-level jobs against young people seeking them, especially with the rise of AI.

The Quebec provincial election is set for Monday, October 5, 2026.