TMU student newsroom takes election coverage to TikTok

TMU students want young people to get in on the Toronto mayoral election action. From transit to health care to urban planning, every vote counts. That’s why journalism students from On the Record campus news launched a TikTok campaign (external link)  covering the municipal election to better engage young people.

Young adults today are facing increasing challenges that include the rising cost of living, a shaky job market in the age of AI and automation and climate change. Despite having voting power to effect change, young Canadians consistently vote at lower rates than older Canadians. In the 2025 federal election (external link) , 55.9 per cent of eligible voters aged 18 to 24 cast a ballot, compared with 77.6 per cent of those aged 65 to 74. At the same time, social platforms like TikTok are an important way for younger audiences to access information.

TMU’s School of Journalism Professor Angela Misri is leading the campaign to address low youth voter turnout and teach aspiring journalists ways to adapt to the evolving media landscape. Her students have produced short-form TikTok content explaining candidate platforms as they relate to key youth issues as well as sharing voting information and tips. The local journalism initiative, supported by Toronto Foundation, will enhance student journalism training while also filling gaps in local news coverage. 

Check out the reels which include field interviews, candidate platform checks and explanatory policy videos, all serving as a peer-to-peer bridge to civic engagement.

The campaign will run across On The Record’s digital channels throughout the municipal election cycle. The municipal election takes place on Monday, October 26. To view the coverage or follow the TikTok campaign, visit @ontherecordnews (external link)  or ontherecordnews.ca (external link) .