Associate Professor of Political Science at Brandon University Kelly Saunders is pleased to see the increase in voter turnout during the 2015 federal election. Statistics Canada released a report this week, indicating voter turnout in 2015 was 77 per cent, up from 70 per cent in the 2011 federal election. The biggest increase in voter participation was in those between the ages of 18 and 24, with 67 per cent voter turnout in 2015,

Kelly Saunderscompared to 55 per cent in the last federal election. While not included in the most recent report, aboriginal voter turnout was also up.

Saunders notes part of the reason for that increase may have been an overall desire for change, combined with a sense of frustration among those with historically lower voter turnouts.

"Interestingly I think you can see some parallels to that in our upcoming provincial election. There's no question the last federal election was a change election, there was a lot of frustration with the status quo in Canada, in terms of the existing Harper government at the time. A lot of people were motivated to get out and vote, particularly groups that historically have been less likely to vote. There was enough of a sense of frustration and a desire for change that motivated these individuals."

She says the desire for change is also starting to be seen here in Manitoba, which could bode well for voter participating in the upcoming provincial election. Saunders indicated governments in Manitoba remain in power for an average of ten years, while the incumbent NDP is in its 17th year. She says their longevity, combined with growing dissatisfaction may bolster numbers in April's election.

Another factor being attributed to the increased voter turnout in the federal election is just how tight the races were in the federal level. For most of the campaign period the NDP, Conservatives, and Liberals remained close in the polls, possibly driving more people to cast their ballot. Saunders anticipates that could be seen in some of the hotly contested provincial ridings in the provincial election.

However, overall polls have shown the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives with a strong lead over both the NDP and Liberals. Saunders says there still could be a boost in voter participation, as each party encourages their supporters to exercise their civic duty. While the PCs are showing strong in the polls, she notes they'll still need to call on the party faithful to cast their vote when it matters; on election day. As for the NDP, she says they'll likely aim to bring up the challenges of the Filmon Government. Saunders anticipates the Liberals will aim to get their supports at the polls, in hopes the NDP and PCs split the vote, allowing the Liberals to gain some traction.

"Each party is going to read into the polls results what they need to, in order to mobilize their people as much as possible."

While she's encouraged by the boost in voters in the federal election, Saunders hopes to see that trend continue with the Manitoba Election. During last year's federal election voter turnout in Manitoba was 76 per cent, up from 66 per cent in 2011.