Slide Deck 13: The Voting Process

1. Slide Deck 13:The Voting Process

2. Is it important to vote? How does the voting process work??

3. Who is qualified to vote? You are qualified to vote in a Canadian federal election if: • You are a Canadian citizen, • You are at least 18 years of age on election day, • You can prove your identity and address.

4. Who organizes federal elections? Elections Canada is responsible for organizing federal elections in Canada. Their job is to make sure that federal elections are organized in a fair and honest manner.

5. What is the list of electors? • To vote in a federal election, you must be registered on the list of electors. • Most Canadians who are qualified to vote are already registered. You can check by visiting the Elections Canada website (www.elections.ca). • Registration can be done ahead of time or at the polling station. • There are different ways to register: online, by mail, in person.

6. Where do I find voting information? • Elections Canada sends a Voter Information Card to every elector on the list of electors. • It includes details about when and where to vote (polling stations), and contact information for Elections Canada office in your riding. (This information is also available at: www.elections.ca)

7. How many ways are there to cast a ballot? Voters may choose to vote in one of the following ways: • On election day (October 21) 2. On an advance voting day (October 11-14) 3. At an Elections Canada office (before October 15 at 6pm) 4. By mail

8. Why is it important to have options for when and how to vote?

9. Did you know that a long time ago elections were held in public? Voters would have to hold up their hand to express their choice. What problems do you think this could cause?

10. What is the process for voting? 1. An election worker greets you and shows you to the right table. 2. Show your proof of identity and address. 3. An election worker checks your name on the list and gives you a folded ballot. 4. Go behind the voting screen, mark your ballot and refold it to keep it secret. 5. Put your ballot in the box.

11. Why do you think it is called a secret ballot?

12. How do I mark my ballot? • Voting is done by secret ballot. No one except the voter knows the choice that was made. • A ballot lists the names of the candidates running in your riding and the political party they belong to. • As long as you clearly mark the ballot for one candidate, your ballot will be valid.

13. Valid Ballots • An valid ballot clearly indicates the choice for one candidate. • You can use: • checkmark • ‘X’ • shade the circle

14. Rejected Ballots • A rejected ballotis a ballot that cannot be counted because the voter’s choice is not clear. • For example, the ballot is: • blank • marked for more than one candidate • marked in a way that could identify the voter

15. Election Workers • Deputy returning officers (DROs) are the officials responsible for conducting the election and counting the votes. • Poll clerks are the individuals who staff the polling station. They are responsible for checking ID, crossing voters off the list of electors, distributing ballots, and collecting ballots. • Candidates’ representatives (scrutineers) are individuals appointed by a candidate to act as an observer of the election process on election day.

16. Discussion • Do you think voting is easy? • Do you feel ready to vote in the Student Vote election? Why or why not? • What other questions do you have about voting?

17. Sample outreach material (Elections Canada)