1. Elections in Canada

2. Voter Turnout 2015 Federal Election – 68%
2013 BC Election – 57% (2017 est. 60%)
2011 West Van Municipal election – 24.5%
Voter Apathy is increasing.

4. Elections Canada

6. Some ideas? 2014 Scottish referendum – 84.5%
Australia (Mandatory voting)

7. Representation by Population
Look at the electoral map of BC. What do you notice about where the ridings are?
An area is split up according to population and not by geographical size.
This is why there are so many ridings in the lower mainland.
Where do you think the most constituencies in federal Canada would be?

8. The Stages of an election
1. Dissolution of Parliament/Election Called
End of 4 year term
Defeated on vote of confidence
2. Nomination and selection
Each party chooses a candidate in each riding
Candidates have to pay $200
3. Campaigning
Canvassing and debates

9. The Stages of an Election
4. Voting
Any Canadian Citizen 18 years or older
Advanced polling
Can register on the day using ID
5. Tabulating
Votes are counted from each station
Added together and a winner is declared

10. First Past the Post vs Proportional Representation
Each riding or constituency is it’s own competition
Party that wins most constituency wins the election
Proportional Representation
Share of votes is share of seats
Representative chosen from party lists

11. Popular vote vs seats

12. 2017 BC Election

13. Advantages of FPTP and PR
Tends to lead to majority government which gives stability
Government can pass laws easily so can enact their platforms
Clear connection between constituent and local representative PR
More accurately reflects popular vote
Ensures all votes and voters are equally important
Encourages collaboration between parties

14. Disadvantages of FPTP and PR
Focus on swing seat and swing voters
Discounts votes in safe seats
Majority of power without majority of support PR
Lose local connection – cannot vote for individual candidate
More likely to get minority government and instability
Give balance of power to smaller parties

15. Other Options? All of these include a mixture of FPTP and PR
The main ones under consideration are:
Ranked Ballot (Preferential Voting)
STV (Single Transferable vote)
Mixed Member Proportional
Click here for more details