Canadian Elections

When Do Elections Happen? An election must be called every four years or sooner The Prime Minster may choose to call an election at any time during those four years

Majority electoral systems First past the post: many single-mandate districts, the winner is the candidate who wins the most votes in district. The voter casts a single vote for their preferred candidate. Absolute majority: the candidate must win more than half of all the votes. If no one receives more than half of all votes in the first round, a second round is held between the two most successful candidates from the first round. Majority electoral systems, especially first past the post system, eliminate parliamentary seats for the minority (smaller parties) in favor of producing viable governing majorities: a clear winner – one party. The reduction of proportionality - small parties are mostly marginalized. The consequence is that majority electoral systems, especially first past the post, concentrate votes around major political parties and tend towards two-party systems. (I.E. in Canada currently it is the Conservatives and Liberals)

Proportional representation (PR) electoral systems The essence of PR systems is proportionality. The share of the vote for given parties to mirror closely the proportions of seats in the legislature. On the other hand it produces the necessity of forming coalition governments. The PR systems are most often founded on the system of party- lists.

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) There are 308 ridings in Canada This system is also known as first past the post

Electoral Districts (Ridings)

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 Chief Electoral Officer Signing Writs

Election Process 3) The Voters List Chief Electoral Officer in each province makes up a voters list of who is eligible to vote 4) The Campaign 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

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.

There are many different Polls within each Riding (Electoral District) Election Process 5) The Voters Eligible voters are informed of where specifically they can vote (e.g., churches, school) There are many different Polls within each Riding (Electoral District)

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

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)

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

What Does An Election Cost? $300 Million

Voter Turnout

Voter Turnout by Age

Discussion Questions Traditionally, voter turnout for federal elections is between 50-60%. In the last federal election only 38.8% of 18 to 24 year-olds chose to vote in 2011. What do you think are the reasons for this? If you were eligible to vote, for what reasons would you choose to vote? For what reasons would you stay away from voting?