Why Student Vote?

Why Student Vote?

Canadians are in the midst of an excitingfederal election campaignwith a close three-way race between the Conservatives, NDP and Liberals. The outcome will be shaped by those who vote and those who do not.

Voter turnout in Canada has been declining for decades. Only 6 out of 10 eligible voters cast a ballot in the last federal election.

The decline is being driven by youth and the research paints a troubling picture.

Firstly, each new generation is voting less than the first. In 1965, about two thirds of first-time electors voted in their first election and by 2004, that number had fallen to just over one-third.

Secondly, studies have shown that habits of voting and non-voting persist over time, so if young people don’t vote now, there is good reason to believe that they won’t become voters later in life.

What does this mean for our democracy? If we don’t tackle these challenges now, our voter turnout will continue to decline and the majority of society won’t be involved in choosing our government.

Teachers and schools play a vitalrole in building our country’s future citizens. Preparing young Canadians for the voting process can, and should, start at an early age.

Since 2003, the Student Vote program has been giving elementary and secondary school students the opportunity to experience the voting process and build the habits of informed and engaged citizenship.

Student Vote is a parallel election for students under the voting age, coinciding with federal, provincial and municipal elections. Students learn about government and the electoral process, research the political parties and platforms, discuss relevant issues and cast ballots for the official election candidates in their riding. The Student Vote results are shared with the media for broadcast and publication.

This fall, an estimated 700,000 students from across Canada will take part in the Student Vote program for the 2015 federal election.

Schools can register until the end of September. Participating schools receive educational resources, posters, riding maps, ballots and ballot boxes. The program is offered at no cost and open to all schools across Canada.

Schools can sign up today by visiting by calling 1-866-488-8775.