1. Canada’s Electoral Process
CIVICS STUDIES 11

2. 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”)

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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 electors who vote for a representative for that location

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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)