Canada’s Electoral Process

1. Canada’s Electoral Process MUNDY – 2008 CIVICS STUDIES 11

2. Representative Democracy • Unlike in ancient civilizations, where propertied men were expected to participate and vote directly on matters of state (“DIRECT DEMOCRACY”); • Canada’s population is too large to support this kind of system • Therefore, Canadians elect “representatives” to speak on their behalf in government (“REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY”)

3. Federal Elections • Jurisdiction is through Elections Canada, with authority through the Canada Elections Act • Chief Electoral Officer, although appointed by Governor General (on advice from Prime Minister), is considered NON-PARTISAN • NON-PARTISAN= not influenced by or affiliated with any political party

4. Stages of a Federal Election • Dissolution • Nomination • Enumeration • Campaigning • Balloting • Tabulation • NOTE – same process applies to Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

5. Stage 1:Dissolution • Governor General “dissolves” Parliament (the legislative branch of the government) after receiving a formal request from the Prime Minister • From here, Parliament and its members cannot conduct any gov’t. business • However, the executive branch (Cabinet and Ministers) are allowed to maintain daily functions and respond to major issues

6. Stage 1:Dissolution • Another way a Governor General may call an election is when Parliament’s majority of members votes against a MOTION OF CONFIDENCE. This forces the G G to dissolve parliament, even if the Prime Minister does not agree with the move. • One more way is if a Prime Minister refuses to call an election after 5 years (unless in a time of war – then 2/3 vote needed to continue) • MOTION OF CONFIDENCE= any bill that would stop the functioning of government if not passed (ex.- the year’s budget)

7. Stage 1: Dissolution • Once Governor General has dissolved Parliament, G G then orders WRITS for an election to be sent to each of the RIDINGS • WRITS= a document calling for an election to be held in a riding, with an order to return the document at the end of an election with the winner listed • RIDING= also known as an ELECTORAL DISTRICT or CONSTITUENCY; a location that encompases roughly 100 000 electors who vote for a representative for that location

8. Stage 2:Nomination • Nomination involves choosing who will act as candidates in each of the ridings • Usually candidates belong to and therefore represent a political party; • However, some candidates run in a riding’s election as an independent candidate (not belonging to any party) • Potential candidates may only run in one riding during an election, yet are not required to live in that riding

9. Stage 2:Nomination • To be nominated, the criteria involves: • Canadian citizen • At least 18 years old on election day • Has not been disqualified as voter • Potential candidates must apply with Elections Canada to be an official candidate: • File nomination papers with 100 witnesses’ signatures (of people living in that riding) • Deposit of $1000 • Appoint an agent to represent candidate

10. Stage 2:Nomination • Political parties tend to nominate candidates of their own by having nomination campaigns at their local riding offices • This process tends to occur before the election is called by the Governor General • Once election begins, however, it is up to the potential candidate to file their own nomination papers with Elections Canada

11. Stage 3:Enumeration • This process involves collecting and updates the names of electors on the NATIONAL REGISTER OF VOTERS by Elections Canada • Eligible electors may register themselves with Elections Canada; similarly, officials from EC will drop by residences to ensure list is updated and correct • Electors may register on the day of voting at the polling station

12. Stage 4: Campaigning • Considered similar to advertising or marketing, this involves ‘getting the message out’ about candidates’ beliefs • Campaigns are strictly limited to the time between dissolution of Parliament and the day before the election • Campaigning as a member of a political party involves giving party’s beliefs as well as one’s own (usually for that riding’s needs)

13. Stage 4:Campaigning • Campaigning involves candidates explaining their promises of POLICIES (specific acts they would make into law if elected) and PLATFORMS (groups of policies on a specific issue) • It also involves candidates attempting to present a personality and background that is acceptable to their CONSTITUENTS (electors in that riding)

14. Stage 5:Balloting • This is the act of casting a vote, also known as POLLING or VOTING • Balloting will occur at specific locations throughout each riding across the country (ex.- small gym here at Seaquam) • Elections Canada hires DEPUTY RETURNING OFFICERS and POLL CLERKS to run the elections at each local polling station • Each employee is trained prior to election

15. Stage 5:Balloting • Method is considered through SECRET BALLOT • This is to reduce chance that an elector has been intimidated, coerced or bribed to vote in a direction they would not choose to vote • Therefore, voting electronically has not been implemented yet, as it cannot be ensured that the votes can remain secret

16. Stage 5:Balloting • Along with balloting on election day, there are also two other methods of voting: • ADVANCED BALLOTING: Held on 3 days prior to election; meant for those who will not be available to vote on election day • SPECIAL VOTING: Held prior to election and mailed to Elections Canada by elector; used for those who cannot head to a polling station during election

17. Stage 5:Balloting • Canadian citizens have the right to vote if: • 18 years or older on election day • Hold proper ID or is able to present a witness to swear an oath to your identity • Only two citizens, Chief Electoral Officer and the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, cannot vote in Federal Elections

18. Stage 6:Enumeration • Means counting of ballots after polling stations close after an election • At each polling station, deputy returning officer and poll clerks, in presence of SCRUTINEERS, counts ballots one-by-one and records results • If a ballot is rejected (marked improperly), DRO reports this; if scrutineers disagree, DRO reports these objections as well • DRO must, in presence of these people, report the results to Elections Canada

19. Stage 6: Enumeration • If evidence of fraud or tampering with elections process is observed, officials can be taken to court for criminal violations of Canada Elections Act • As well, Elections Canada may fire officials if time permits to send replacement • If tabulation in riding shows difference of less than 1/1000th of all votes cast between two winning candidates, a JUDICIAL RECOUNT is ordered

20. By-elections • At times a Member of Parliament retires, is removed from, or is unable to perform functions of job; then a by-election is called for that particular riding only • Same process for election, except that: • Parliament is not dissolved as a whole • Candidates are not given free time on airwaves to broadcast their platforms • Parties are not reimbursed for campaign expenses (they are during regular federal election)