Learning about the Election Process Mock Election Learning about the Election Process

Mock Election In your group, you will: Create a party with: A name A vision A leader Come up with a platform Prepare a Speech Prepare a Campaign Help prepare for Election Day

The Vision: the values of your party The vision of a party is the ideals and general goals of a party. The vision should made predictions for the future. The vision should represent a Canada that is better than it is currently.

The Platform: Specific Goals for Current Term in Office The platform is a list of specific recommendations made in order to achieve the vision of the party. The platform must include actions that will be accomplished within a limited time frame once a party is elected.

Campaigning You will have two in-class days to meet in your groups to begin planning your campaign. Every person in each group must be assigned at least one task. One person will run as the candidate; others will prepare brochures, posters, and announcements. Once you have prepared a vision and platform, you need to begin advertising. You will prepare posters to go around the school. You may also prepare pamphlets or brochures to hand out during the campaign. Also consider broadcasting announcements on the Intercom. Announcements should be short, specific, and persuasive.

Time Line 2 days: prepare and complete vision, platform, posters, brochures, announcements. 3 days: prepare speeches, ask permission to speak with classes, canvass at lunch. 1 period: speeches held in theatre. Classes in theatre voluntarily. 1 day: before classes, at lunch, and after classes, students and teachers invited to vote - ELECTION DAY

Election Campaign Rules Candidates must submit a list of tasks for each group member. The school elections officer (teacher) must approve all election material. Posters are to be put up only in approved areas. All campaigning must be conducted inside the school. Election material must be free of defamatory or discriminatory drawings, statements or connotations of any sort. All election publicity should also respect individual privacy. All expenses must be supported with receipts. All posters and other election material must be removed by 4:30 p.m. the day of the election. The school elections officer must approve all election material and class presentations by candidates in advance. On election day, candidates must not solicit support in or near any polling station. The school elections officer can confiscate any election material that contravenes these rules. Any candidate breaking these rules may be disqualified.

The Evaluation The following must be handed in for marks: The vision (1-2 paragraphs) The platform (2-3 pages) The speech (1-2 pages) Sample poster(s)/ election materials

Election Material One member of each group will periodically work with the teacher to prepare: Ballots Voter screens Tally Sheets Voter Eligibility Lists

Election Day Every student and teacher is eligible to vote. Voting will occur for 30 minutes prior to school, at lunch, and for 15 minutes after school. Students will sign up to sit at the polling station. Ballots will be counted in class the following day. Election results will be announced the morning after the count.

Ballots The candidates are listed in alphabetical order by family name Electors must make an acceptable mark with the pencil provided (any clear mark that does not identify the elector) Fold the ballot, etc.

Set-up for Election Day