Canadian Elections

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

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

Electoral Districts (Ridings) What was/is yours?

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

Chief Electoral Officer Signing Writs Election Process 2) Nominations Candidates (usually representing a party) submit nominations and stand for election 1) The Call Prime Minister asks the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call an election Calling election 36 days P 85#1 P 89#1 Chief Electoral Officer Signing Writs

Election Process 4) The Campaign 3) The Voters List 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 3) The Voters List Chief Electoral Officer in each province makes up a voters list of who is eligible to vote Chief Electoral Officer is appointed by HOC -info from tax returns

The Campaign

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. Robert Stanfield vs. young, hip Pierre Trudeau News media chose to run this photo event though they had many photos of him catching the ball. Ie. terrorist attack – positive if you’ve campaigned for military spending Ie. a comment – 2 elections ago – Harper re. arts – he lost a lot of votes

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) In the mail Advanced polls – uses RCHS

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 Hours staggered because of time zones Need to give results at the same time – but not until all voting is complete

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) Could stop here… P 81#1-6

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 “We do not vote directly for the PM” ie. the USA

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

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

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).

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 One of the worst participation rates IN DEMOCRACIES

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

Division of Seats with Single Member Plurality

Division of Seats with Proportional Representations

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… Even if you vote for a party that doesn’t “stand a chance” your vote is not lost Smaller parties – what are the pros? What are the cons?

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