New Democrat legislation asking that youth under 18-years-old be allowed on the B.C. voter's list will likely be voted down, a retired political science instructor said.

But Ray Pillar, who taught at Thompson Rivers University, said Adrian Dix's message will be heard no matter what happens today in Victoria.

"Even if does pass, the demographic is the one that doesn't vote. While it might attract more people to the list, they won't get many more votes," he said Saturday.

Dix told a group of secondary school students and reporters Friday he would introduce the legislation in hopes it will encourage more young people to vote when they turn 18.

His party wants to ensure teens can sign up starting at age 16, though the age at which they can actually vote would remain 18.

Dix said he wants youth to be able to register in places like Grade 11 social studies classes or while registering for driver's licenses. He hopes providing provisional registration for youth could bring about a change in government process.

Pillar said people start on the left of the political spectrum, then transition to more liberal views before ending up conservative in their later years.

"Adrian is saying 'Hey, I'm really for you young guys.' Whether (the legislation) passes or fails, he's still got his message out there," said Pillar. "That's basically all that he's attempting."

New Democrat candidates for the North and South Thompson hope the legislation will engage young voters and get more people to the ballot box.

Kamloops-South Thompson candidate Tom Friedman said Dix is acting on recommendations made by the province's chief electoral officer in 2011.

"We want to engage young people in the political process earlier," he said. "This way they can register before they are eligible to vote at age 18."

Kamloops-North Thompson candidate Kathy Kendall said the 18 to 25 demographic is the least likely to vote, which is why its important to reach out to them.

Young people don't vote because they believe their concerns aren't being heard, but their concerns won't be heard if they don't vote, said Kendall.

"It's kind of a vicious circle," she said.

Any effort to attract young voters is a good idea, but Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake believes the legislation is just a political maneuver.

"Obviously the demographic favours the NDP, so let's have some understanding about why he's doing this," said Lake. "This is a guy who accuses us of being political, but this is pure politics."