Lesson 7: The Voting Process

Opening Discussion Have you ever voted for something before? How was the winner decided? Did you think the process was fair? Why or why not? 2

Who is eligible to vote? To be eligible to vote in provincial elections, you must be: A Canadian citizen, At least 18 years of age or older, A resident of Alberta for the past six months.

Where do I vote? Each electoral division is divided into smaller areas called polling subdivisions. Eligible voters residing within each polling subdivision vote at a specific location for their area. The voting location is called a polling station or polling place.

How do I receive a ballot? When you arrive at your polling station, the deputy returning officer will ask your name and the poll clerk will check for your name on the list of electors. If your name is on the list, you will be given a ballot to vote. If your name is not listed, you will be required to produce ID containing your name and current address prior to being provided with a ballot. 5

How does the voting process work? Once you confirm you are qualified to vote, you are given a ballot that has the election officer’s initials on the back. Go behind a voting screen to mark your ballot. Choose only one candidate on the ballot. Hand your folded ballot back to the election officer to check for the initials. Place your folded ballot in the ballot box.

How do I mark my ballot? A ballot lists the names of the candidates and their political party running in your electoral division. Voting is done by secret ballot. This means no one except the voter knows the choice that was made. The voter must clearly mark the ballot for one choice for it to be valid (e.g., checkmark, X, shading in).

Rejected, Spoiled and Declined Ballots A rejected ballot is a ballot that cannot be counted because it was not properly marked. (For example, if you try to vote for more than one candidate). A voter may also choose to use their vote to express their unhappiness with the options given. This is called a declined ballot. This is done by receiving a ballot, then giving the unmarked ballot back to the election officer. The voter explains that he or she does not want to vote. A spoiled ballot is one that was kept separate and never placed in the ballot box because a voter made a mistake when marking it or it was torn and exchanged for a new ballot.

What are advance polls? Voters who are away, busy or unable to vote on polling day, have the option of participating in advance polls. Advance polls held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday prior to polling day.

Final Thoughts Are you ready to vote? Why or why not? What else do you want to know or research before making your decision? How can you encourage eligible voters that you know to cast their ballot?