The Japan Times picked up a Reuters report from Winnipeg

The Japan Times picked up a Reuters report from Winnipeg this September about the very real possibility that the Aboriginal vote could decide the outcome of the 2015 federal election. “Spurred by anger over disproportionately high rates of violence against Indigenous women and poor living standards as well as resource development and environmental issues, Aboriginal voters are being urged by their national chief to vote,” the report reads. “Clearly, there is an awakening happening,” pollster Bruce Cameron said. “If either the Liberals or (New Democrats) can tap into that, that will be a really interesting factor in this election.” The Assembly of First Nations has identified 51 of 338 ridings as Aboriginal swing ridings, and according to a poll by ThreeHunredEight.com, the New Democrats stand to gain the most. But historically, less than half of the Aboriginal population votes in federal elections, many because of sovereignty issues. Barriers to voting also challenges participation, and, this year, under the Fair Elections Act, those barriers may have been fortified.