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Understanding Canadian Elections: Process, Systems, and Reform

Learn about Canadian elections, including the electoral process, the single-member plurality system, how the Prime Minister is elected, voter turnout, electoral reform options like proportional representation, and the concept of a referendum.

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Understanding Canadian Elections: Process, Systems, and Reform

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  1. Canadian Elections

  2. When Do Elections Happen? • An election must be called every five years or sooner according to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms • The Prime Minster may choose to call an election earlier, but a new law (2006) sets fixed elections dates for the second Monday in October, 4 years after previous election • An election can be called following a “vote of non-confidence” in a minority government

  3. What Type of Electoral System Do We Have? • Single-Member Plurality • One person is elected from each riding (electoral district) to become an MP • In order to get elected this person must receive the plurality of the votes (the most votes, a majority is not necessary) • This system is also known as first past the post • There are 338 ridings in Canada

  4. Electoral Districts (Ridings)

  5. Election Process • 1) The Call • 2) Nominations • 3) Voters List • 4) Campaign • 5) Voters informed • 6) Election Day • 7) The Count • 8) The Winner

  6. Election Process 1) The Call • Prime Minister asks the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call an election 2) Nominations • Candidates (usually representing a party) submit nominations and stand for election Chief Electoral Officer Signing Writs

  7. Election Process 3) The Voters List • Chief Electoral Officer in each province makes up a voters list of who is eligible to vote 4) The Campaign • Each party uses this time to promote their platform • Debates, tours, lawn signs, appearances on television, door to door, and lots and lots of promises

  8. The Campaign

  9. On The Election Trail • Some events on the election trail, whether that be an unfortunate picture or a controversial comment, can negatively affect the party.

  10. Election Process 5) The Voters • Eligible voters are informed of where specifically they can vote (e.g., churches, school) There are many different polling stations within each Riding (Electoral District)

  11. 6) Election Day • Voters go to polling stations to vote • Each polling station has a returning officer and polling clerks, and may have scrutineers from political parties

  12. Election Process 7) The Count • Ballot boxes are collected and votes are counted • Each political party may have scrutineers to make sure vote is fair 8) The Winner • The candidate with the most votes is elected as MP from that riding (not necessarily by a majority)

  13. How is the Prime Minister Elected? • The leader of the party with the most MPs elected becomes Prime Minister • We do not vote directly for the Prime Minister • The Prime Minister is elected as an MP • The Prime Minister will formally take the position after a ceremony involving the Governor General

  14. What Does An Election Cost? Usually around: $375 Million The 2015 Federal Election cost approx. $443 Million

  15. Voter Turnout Traditionally, voter turnout for federal elections is between 60-70%.

  16. Voter Turnout by Age • In the 2015 election, the participation of voters aged 18-24 increased from 39% in 2011 to 57%. • Participation of voters aged 25-34 increased by to 57% from 45% in 2011. • Voters aged 65-74 have the highest participation rate of all the age groups with 79% (up from 75% in 2011).

  17. Electoral reform? • Some have suggested that Canada’s system is broken and needs to be fixed • Possible solutions: • A. Two-party system instead of multiparty • If only 2 parties, would never have a minority • Examples: US, Britain, New Zealand, Australia • B. Mandatory voting • Canada has one of the worst participation rates • Example: Australia – 94% because mandatory • C. Proportional Representation

  18. What is Proportional Representation? • A PR system divides up the 338 seats according to the total percentage of votes each party receives • Ie. If a party got 20% of the vote, they would get 20% of the seats. • Canadians would vote for a party, not a candidate • The party would choose the candidates from their lists to fill the seats

  19. Division of Seats with Single Member Plurality

  20. Division of Seats with Proportional Representations

  21. To consider: • Could lead to greater voter turnout because your vote “counts” more • BUT: not electing individuals, but parties • Would allow smaller parties to be represented (ie. Green Party – would have more seats with PR) • BUT – could lead to more minority governments because more smaller parties…

  22. What is a Referendum? • a form of direct democracy • Voters get to vote on a particular issue instead of the elected representatives deciding • Example: Quebec sovereignty vote – 1980 and 1995

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