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Learn about the voting process in Canada, including eligibility, registration, marking ballots, and advance voting. Discover how to ensure your voice is heard in the democratic process.
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Opening Discussion Have you ever voted for something before? How was the winner decided? Did you think the process was fair? Why or why not?
Who is responsible for running federal government elections? Elections Canada is the independent, non-partisan agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums (www.elections.ca). Different election agencies are responsible for their own provincial or territorial elections.
When do federal elections take place? • Canada has fixed-date election legislation and, as required by the Canada Elections Act, a general election is to be held on the third Monday of October in the fourth calendar year following the polling day for the preceding general election. • The 42nd Canadian general election will take place on October 19, 2015.
Who is eligible 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. • In order to cast a ballot in the election, you must be registered to vote.
How do I get registered to vote? • You can call Elections Canada orvisit www.elections.ca to check, update or complete your registration. • You can also register at the polling station on election day or at your returning office in advance • Once registered, your contact information will be added to the National Register of Electors, which is used to create the voters list for each election. • If you are on the voters list, you will receive a Voter Information Card (VIC) in the mail that tells you when, where and how to vote.
How do I confirm my identity and address? • To vote, you need to prove your identity and address. You have three options: • Show one piece of government-issued ID with your photo, name and address. • Show two pieces of ID. Both pieces must have your name, and one must also have your address. • Show two pieces of ID with your name and have someone who knows you confirm your address.
How does the voting process work? • When you enter the polling place, an election worker greets you and shows you to the right table. • At your table, show your proof of identity and address. • The election worker will initial, fold and hand you a ballot. • Go behind the voting screen, mark and refold your ballot to keep it secret. • Return your ballot to the worker so they can tear off the tab. • Put your ballot in the box.
How do I mark my ballot? • A ballot lists the names of the candidates running in your riding and their party association. • Voting is done by secret ballot. No one except the voter knows the choice that was made. • The voter must clearly mark the ballot with a single preference for it to be valid (e.g., checkmark, X, shading in) .
Rejected and Spoiled Ballots • A rejected ballot isa ballot that cannot be counted because it was not properly marked. (For example, your ballot is rejected if you try to vote for more than one candidate) • A spoiled ballot is one that was kept separate and never placed in the ballot box because it was mistakenly marked or torn and exchanged for a new ballot.
What is advance voting? • Electors who are away, busy or unable to vote on election day, have the option of advance voting. • Advance voting is held prior to election day. There are 4 days of advance voting: October 9-12 • Electors can also vote in person at an Elections Canada Returning Office or by mail up until the Tuesday before election day (October 13).
Final Thoughts • Are you ready to vote? Why or why not? • What else do you want to know or research before making your decision? • How can you encourage eligible voters who you know to cast their ballot?
