1. Canadian Elections

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Electoral Districts (Ridings)

7. Election Process 1) The Call 2) Nominations 3) Voters List 4) Campaign
5) Voters informed
6) Election Day
7) The Count
8) The Winner

8. 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

9. 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

10. The Campaign

11. 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.

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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

16. What Does An Election Cost?
$300 Million

17. Voter Turnout

18. Voter Turnout by Age

20. 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 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?