Canada’s Electoral Process CIVICS STUDIES 11

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”)

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

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

Stage 1: Dissolution Governor General “dissolves” Parliament (the legislative branch of the government.) after receiving a formal request from the Prime Minister At the Provincial level it’s the Lieutenant Governor 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

Stage 1: Dissolution 1) 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. 2) 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)

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

Stage 2: Nomination Nomination involves choosing who will act as candidates in each of the ridings (typically done Dissolution) File papers saying will run in that riding Usually candidates belong to and therefore represent a political party; Some candidates run in a riding’s election as an independent candidate (not belonging to any party) May only run in one riding during an election, yet are not required to live in that riding

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

Stage 5: Balloting MAY ALSO: 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

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

Stage 6: Tabulation 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

Stage 6: Tabulation If evidence of fraud or tampering with elections process is observed, officials can be taken to court for criminal violations of Canada Elections Act If tabulation in riding shows difference of less than 1/1000th of all votes cast between two winning candidates, a JUDICIAL RECOUNT is ordered

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) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa6nR9-0ViQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRASZ_9nthQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erP9-gjRoTY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r2sz6xatM8