Professional

Inquiry Project
Student Vote 2015

What is Student Vote?

Student Vote is operated through CIVIX. CIVIX is an organization dedicated to
promoting and building citizenship skills and habits of young Canadians.

Why is this important?

Involving students in civil duty early on, and helping them to be engaged,
ethical, informed citizens encourages behaviours and attitudes that will help
them later on in life. It will increase the likelihood that students will participate
in elections and be responsible about the decisions they are making when
they are eligible to vote.

Alberta Program of Studies

Links
The Alberta Social Studies Kindergarten to Grade 12 Program of Studies

meets the needs and reflects the nature of 21st century learners. It has at its
heart the concepts of citizenship and identity in the Canadian context. It
fosters the building of a society that is pluralistic, bilingual, multicultural,
inclusive and democratic. It promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance in
students as they engage in active and responsible citizenship at the local,
community, provincial, national and global level. - Program Vision, Social
Studies K-12 (2005)

Alberta Program of Studies

Links
Social studies develops the key values and attitudes, knowledge and

understanding, and skills and processes necessary for students to become

active and responsible citizens, engaged in the democratic process and aware
of their capacity to effect change in their communities, society and world. The Role of Social Studies, Social Studies K-12 (2005)

How does it work?

The program involves four key steps:
1. Register your school: The program is open to all schools and there is no cost to participate.
2. Receive materials: Registered schools are supplied with pedagogical materials, posters
and election supplies.
3. Engage with the campaign: The activities are intended to inform students about
government and the electoral process, encourage research into the parties, candidates and
issues, and foster dialogue among students and their families.
4. Student Vote Day: Students take on the role of deputy returning officers and polls clerks,
and cast ballots for the official election candidates. The results are tabulated nationally and
by riding, and shared with media for broadcast and publication.

-. Student Vote

Student Vote 2015

Engages students in a variety of lessons to prepare for the federal election.

Student Vote Activity Preparing

toanVote
Doing the research to make
informed decision before casting your
vote is vital.

Consider what issues that are important to you. Education? Healthcare?

Economy?
Which party best supports your position?
Who would make the best Prime Minister? Why?
Which local candidate would make the best MP for your riding? Why?

Is it effective?
Elections Canada released a document evaluating Student Vote, determining
its effectiveness and purpose in 2011. They examined various areas in how
well Student Vote worked.

Teachers Responded

Teachers Responded

Parents Responded

Parents Responded

Students Responded

Students Responded

Students Responded

Timeline
Prior to Student Vote Week - students will be exploring political parties and
issues through the lessons and material. Grade 9 students are responsible for
researching political parties and creating a poster/handout to share the
platform of the party. This allowed students to practice researching skills, and
developing informed opinions about the parties.

Timeline
Student Vote Week (October 13-16) - Students of all grades will be preparing
themselves for the election. Ballot boxes will be set up by the grade 9
students.
October 14 Student Vote Day! Grade 9 students will be working as poll clerks
and returning officers to ensure an authentic voting experience. Students
from other classes will be invited at this point to come cast their ballots.

Timeline
October 15-16 - Students will assist in counting the ballots. They are sworn to
secrecy as the official results are not permitted to be shared in advance of the
federal election results due to the nature of the polling that takes place.
The ballot count will be reported by myself to Student Vote on October 16,
who will be taking and tallying the results of all participants.

Timeline
October 19 Election Day! - Eligible voters nationwide will be casting their vote
in the Canadian Federal Election 2015.
That evening, after the closing of voting stations, official Student Vote results
will be broadcasted to Canada, relaying the federal results as well as the
results of the participating ridings.

Why I chose this project

Why I chose this project

Students are interested in hands-on, real-life approach
Biggest concern: but it doesnt even matter
Preparing them for experience they will encounter.