Canadian students vote in mock federal election, bring democracy to classrooms
Posted September 20, 2021 3:46 pm.
Last Updated September 20, 2021 3:48 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — As Canadians exercise their democratic right Monday, students across the country are taking part in their own mock election.
Students who are not of voting age are casting their mock ballots in the Student Vote Canada program “to bring democracy, politics or real-life issues into the classroom.”
The program attracted 7,500 schools representing all 338 ridings across Canada this year.
“The response from teachers has been phenomenal and it reflects their strong commitment to this exercise. We sincerely thank the teachers who are taking the time for the program, especially within the first two weeks of the school year,” Taylor Gunn, President of CIVIX, said.
Ferndale voted today in grades 4 to 8! Democracy in action! @dsbn @studentvote @CIVIX_Canada @ferndalerocks #Elxn44 pic.twitter.com/gykKMqY4js
— Ferndale Public School (@Ferndalerocks) September 20, 2021
The program run by CIVIX in collaboration with Elections Canada runs parallel with the election and gives students the opportunity to experience the voting process firsthand.
Kids will research party platforms, discuss the future of the country, evaluate the leaders and MPs. Then, students make their picks and cast ballots for the official candidates running in their school’s electoral district.
“We are proud to invest in Student Vote Canada so that schools across the country can offer this hands-on learning experience to their students. Research has shown that the program increases students’ knowledge of politics and elections, promotes political discussion, enhances their sense of civic duty, and strengthens their future intentions to vote,” Stéphane Perrault, Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, said.
You can watch the amazing crew from St. Gabriel Elementary hard at work here: pic.twitter.com/CJFxBmUpZ2
— CIVIX Canada (EN) (@CIVIX_Canada) September 20, 2021
Results of the Student Vote are tabulated by the electoral district and announced after polls close on Sept. 20.
