2018 British Columbia Local Elections
In October 2018, elementary and high school students in B.C. cast ballots for the official candidates running for council and school trustee in their municipality or regional district. THE RESULTS
Coinciding with government elections, students learn about government and the electoral process, research the parties and platforms, discuss relevant issues and cast ballots for the official election candidates. The results are shared with the media for broadcast and publication following the closing of the official polls.
The Student Vote Program Involves Four Key Steps:
- Register your school: The program is open to all schools and there is no cost to participate.
- Receive materials: Registered schools are supplied with print and online pedagogical materials, posters and election supplies.
- Engage with the campaign: The activities are intended to inform students about government and the electoral process, encourage research into the candidates and issues, and foster dialogue among students and their families.
- Student Vote Day: Students take on the role of deputy returning officers and poll clerks, and cast ballots for the official election candidates. The results are tabulated and shared publicly after the close of the official polls.
Current Projects
2018 Ontario Municipal Elections
In October 2018, elementary and high school students cast ballots for the official candidates running for council and school board trustee in their municipality. THE RESULTS
2018 Manitoba Municipal Elections
In October 2018, elementary and high school students in Manitoba cast ballots for the official candidates running for council and school trustee in their municipality. THE RESULTS
Past Projects
2015 Federal Election
During National Student Vote Week (October 13-16, 2015), 922,358 students from 6,662 schools voted for the federal candidates running in their local riding. The Results
2018 Ontario Provincial Election
In June 2018, elementary and high school students cast ballots for the candidates running in their electoral district. THE RESULTS
2018 New Brunswick Provincial Election
In September 2018, elementary, middle and high school students cast ballots for the provincial election candidates running in their school’s electoral district. THE RESULTS
The Impact
"An amazing program that definitely created many meaningful conversations between and among students, student families, educators and the entire school community! It was wonderful to see students so passionately and actively engaged in issues that truly do matter."
– STUDENT VOTE TEAM LEADERAn independent evaluation commissioned by Elections Canada reports that the Student Vote program is having a significant impact among students in the key areas associated with future voting, as well as increasing the engagement of families in the election.
Educators
100% said they would like to participate in Student Vote again.
96% indicated that they agreed that participating in Student Vote improved their confidence with teaching politics, Canadian government and civics.
Students
83% said they will vote in the future.
90% said they believe that it is our responsibility as citizens to vote in elections.
Parents
90% said the program gave their family an opportunity to learn more about politics.
28% said the program positively impacted their decision to vote.