Canadian ElectionsCanadian Elections

How do I Vote?How do I Vote?

Why should I Vote?Why should I Vote? When we vote, we choose the representatives who will make the laws and policies When we vote, we choose the representatives who will make the laws and policies

that govern how we live together.that govern how we live together. Compared to other forms of political participation, voting does not require Compared to other forms of political participation, voting does not require

a lot of time or effort – in other words, it is one of the easiest ways to have a lot of time or effort – in other words, it is one of the easiest ways to have a say in how your society is governed.a say in how your society is governed.

According to research commissioned by Elections Canada, only 25.4% of 18 to 24-According to research commissioned by Elections Canada, only 25.4% of 18 to 24-year-olds voted at the 2000 general election. That means nearly 75% of young year-olds voted at the 2000 general election. That means nearly 75% of young Canadians did not participate in selecting this country's government.Canadians did not participate in selecting this country's government.

When politicians know in advance that most young people don't vote, they may be When politicians know in advance that most young people don't vote, they may be less interested in making the effort to be responsive to issues that matter to younger less interested in making the effort to be responsive to issues that matter to younger Canadians.Canadians.

By not voting, young Canadians may be sending a message to politicians that By not voting, young Canadians may be sending a message to politicians that young electors don't want to hear from them.young electors don't want to hear from them.

How Government Affects You!How Government Affects You!

EducationEducation Increased government spending Increased government spending

means that tuition or fees may be kept means that tuition or fees may be kept the same or even lowered. It also the same or even lowered. It also means that the institution may be able means that the institution may be able to offer more classes or services.to offer more classes or services.

Decreased government spending Decreased government spending means that institutions may have to means that institutions may have to increase tuition or fees to meet costs increase tuition or fees to meet costs or they might cut down on the or they might cut down on the number of classes or services offered.number of classes or services offered.

LawsLaws Our governments make the rules that Our governments make the rules that

we all must follow. Below are some we all must follow. Below are some of things that have happened or are of things that have happened or are being discussed.being discussed.

In Saskatchewan all new drivers have In Saskatchewan all new drivers have a one year probation.a one year probation.

Federal government is debating if it Federal government is debating if it should fund the arts (movies, tv, should fund the arts (movies, tv, music, etc.) if they find the content music, etc.) if they find the content offensive.offensive.

Federal government through the Federal government through the CRTC decides what is shown on CRTC decides what is shown on Canadian TVs and radio.Canadian TVs and radio.

Federal government regulates and Federal government regulates and controls the use of firearms.controls the use of firearms.

TaxesTaxes In 2008 the Saskatchewan people In 2008 the Saskatchewan people

celebrated Tax Freedom Day (the day celebrated Tax Freedom Day (the day Canadians have paid off the total tax Canadians have paid off the total tax bill imposed on them by government bill imposed on them by government and can finally start working for and can finally start working for themselves) on June 20.themselves) on June 20.

Our governments decide what you Our governments decide what you pay in direct taxes – income tax, GST, pay in direct taxes – income tax, GST, and PST.and PST.

Our government also decides what Our government also decides what you pay in indirect taxes which in you pay in indirect taxes which in Saskatchewan includes: gas, Saskatchewan includes: gas, electricity, auto insurance, and electricity, auto insurance, and possibly phone service. possibly phone service.

How can I get Involved?How can I get Involved? All of the major political parties have a youth branchAll of the major political parties have a youth branch The following organizations are also a good way to get involved without The following organizations are also a good way to get involved without

joining a specific party:joining a specific party: Student Vote is a non-profit educational initiative working to inspire the Student Vote is a non-profit educational initiative working to inspire the

habit of electoral and community participation among students across habit of electoral and community participation among students across Canada. http://www.studentvote.ca/Canada. http://www.studentvote.ca/

The Democracy Project is a national non-partisan initiative to involve The Democracy Project is a national non-partisan initiative to involve youth in the federal election through all candidates town halls, an on-line youth in the federal election through all candidates town halls, an on-line survey, text voting, free music downloads and educational tools. survey, text voting, free music downloads and educational tools. http://www.thedemocracyproject.ca/http://www.thedemocracyproject.ca/

Election TimelineElection Timeline

Election CalendarElection Calendar Once an election has been called, electoral activities occur in the Once an election has been called, electoral activities occur in the

following order during the 36 days before election day. following order during the 36 days before election day. Issue of the writs; voting by special ballot begins. Issue of the writs; voting by special ballot begins. Day 36 Day 36

before election day (or earlier)before election day (or earlier) Preliminary lists of electors sent to returning officers. Preliminary lists of electors sent to returning officers. Day 34Day 34 Revision of lists of electors begins. Revision of lists of electors begins. Day 33Day 33 Voter information cards mailed to all registered electors. Voter information cards mailed to all registered electors. Days Days

26–2426–24 Reminder cards distributed. Reminder cards distributed. Days 19–17Days 19–17 Advance polls (registration at polls permitted). Advance polls (registration at polls permitted). Days 10, 9, 7Days 10, 9, 7 Revision ends; deadline for special ballot registration. Revision ends; deadline for special ballot registration. Day 6 Day 6

(6:00 p.m.)(6:00 p.m.) Deadline for special ballot voting*; election day (registration at Deadline for special ballot voting*; election day (registration at

polls permitted). polls permitted). Day 0Day 0

Voting ProcessVoting Process

Who Can Vote?Who Can Vote? You can vote if you are:You can vote if you are:

A Canadian citizenA Canadian citizen At least 18 years oldAt least 18 years old Can establish proof of identity Can establish proof of identity

and address with one of the and address with one of the following:following:

Government issued photo Government issued photo id. such as driver’s id. such as driver’s licenselicense

Two pieces of id. without a Two pieces of id. without a photophoto

Swear an oath and be Swear an oath and be vouched for by an electorvouched for by an elector

National Register of ElectorsNational Register of Electors This is the database of people eligible to vote in Canada.This is the database of people eligible to vote in Canada. To collect this information the government uses the following To collect this information the government uses the following

sources of information:sources of information: Canada Revenue AgencyCanada Revenue Agency Canada PostCanada Post Citizenship and Immigration CanadaCitizenship and Immigration Canada Provincial and terretorial registers of motor vehiclesProvincial and terretorial registers of motor vehicles

All of these groups provide you with the opportunity to opt out of the All of these groups provide you with the opportunity to opt out of the register.register.

If you have opted out of the database then you will have to add your If you have opted out of the database then you will have to add your name to the voting list by:name to the voting list by:

Registering at the local Elections Canada office, orRegistering at the local Elections Canada office, or Registering at a polling stationRegistering at a polling station

Voters ListVoters List Elections Canada will mail a voter information card to everyone on Elections Canada will mail a voter information card to everyone on

the voters list. the voters list. If your name and address are correct, keep the card. It shows that you are If your name and address are correct, keep the card. It shows that you are

registered to vote, and tells you when and where to vote.registered to vote, and tells you when and where to vote.

If your name and address on the card are not correct, you will need to call If your name and address on the card are not correct, you will need to call Elections Canada. You will find the telephone number of your local Elections Elections Canada. You will find the telephone number of your local Elections Canada office on the back of your voter information card.Canada office on the back of your voter information card.

If you do not receive a voter information card, you may not be registered to If you do not receive a voter information card, you may not be registered to vote. You can still register to vote at the polling station on election day by vote. You can still register to vote at the polling station on election day by proving your identity and address.proving your identity and address.

Special BallotsSpecial Ballots With a special ballot, an elector can vote by mail or in person at the office of With a special ballot, an elector can vote by mail or in person at the office of

any returning officer. It is particularly useful to persons with disabilities or any returning officer. It is particularly useful to persons with disabilities or away from home who would have difficulty reaching their polling station.away from home who would have difficulty reaching their polling station.

To vote by special ballot you must:To vote by special ballot you must: have a civic address for his or her place of ordinary residence in Canada, for have a civic address for his or her place of ordinary residence in Canada, for

electoral purposes.electoral purposes. register to vote by special ballot no later than 6:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before register to vote by special ballot no later than 6:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before

polling day polling day obtain the names of the candidates in his or her electoral district (in an election, obtain the names of the candidates in his or her electoral district (in an election,

the elector completes the special ballot by writing the name of the chosen the elector completes the special ballot by writing the name of the chosen candidate (not the name of the political party) candidate (not the name of the political party)

in the case of an elector voting by special ballot outside the electoral district of in the case of an elector voting by special ballot outside the electoral district of his or her ordinary residence, ensure that the completed ballot arrives at his or her ordinary residence, ensure that the completed ballot arrives at Elections Canada in Ottawa no later than 6:00 p.m., Ottawa time, on polling day Elections Canada in Ottawa no later than 6:00 p.m., Ottawa time, on polling day

in the case of an elector voting in his or her electoral district, ensure that the in the case of an elector voting in his or her electoral district, ensure that the returning officer for that district receives the completed ballot before the close of returning officer for that district receives the completed ballot before the close of the polls in the electoral district on polling day the polls in the electoral district on polling day

Advanced PollsAdvanced Polls If you do not wish to or are unable to vote on election day you may If you do not wish to or are unable to vote on election day you may

vote at an advanced poll, just as you would on election day.vote at an advanced poll, just as you would on election day.

The voter information card tells you the dates and address. Take it The voter information card tells you the dates and address. Take it with you to the polling station. with you to the polling station.

If you need to, you can also register at the advance poll. You must If you need to, you can also register at the advance poll. You must show proof of your identity and address. The required piece or show proof of your identity and address. The required piece or pieces of identification are the same as those for registering to vote pieces of identification are the same as those for registering to vote on election day.on election day.

Election DayElection Day If you have a voter information card, take it with you when you go to If you have a voter information card, take it with you when you go to

vote at the polling station at the address shown on the card.vote at the polling station at the address shown on the card.

If you don't have a voter information card, and you didn't register If you don't have a voter information card, and you didn't register earlier, you can still register to vote at the polling station on election earlier, you can still register to vote at the polling station on election day by proving your identity and address, day by proving your identity and address,

Voting TimesVoting Times In Saskatchewan poll stations are open from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm In Saskatchewan poll stations are open from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm

when daylight savings time is in effect.when daylight savings time is in effect. When daylight savings time is NOT in effect poll stations are open When daylight savings time is NOT in effect poll stations are open

8:30 am to 8:30 pm.8:30 am to 8:30 pm.

What Happens After VotingWhat Happens After Voting

Unofficial ResultsUnofficial Results Following the close of a polling station, the deputy returning officer in an Following the close of a polling station, the deputy returning officer in an

electoral district counts the votes, in the presence of the poll clerk, and any electoral district counts the votes, in the presence of the poll clerk, and any candidates or their representatives who are present, or, if none are present, candidates or their representatives who are present, or, if none are present, in the presence of at least two electors. in the presence of at least two electors.

During the count, the deputy returning officer examines each ballot, shows it During the count, the deputy returning officer examines each ballot, shows it to each person present and asks the poll clerk to tally the vote in favour of to each person present and asks the poll clerk to tally the vote in favour of the candidate for whom the vote was cast. The poll clerk keeps a tally of the the candidate for whom the vote was cast. The poll clerk keeps a tally of the votes for each candidate.votes for each candidate.

The deputy returning officer must reject ballots that were not supplied by The deputy returning officer must reject ballots that were not supplied by him or her, were improperly marked (including those voided by the elector), him or her, were improperly marked (including those voided by the elector), were cast for a person other than a candidate, or on which there is any were cast for a person other than a candidate, or on which there is any writing or mark by which the elector could be identified.writing or mark by which the elector could be identified.

After the count, the deputy returning officer fills out a statement of the vote, After the count, the deputy returning officer fills out a statement of the vote, recording the number of votes in favour of each candidate and the number recording the number of votes in favour of each candidate and the number of rejected ballots. In this statement, the deputy returning officer has to of rejected ballots. In this statement, the deputy returning officer has to account for all ballots received at that polling station. The deputy returning account for all ballots received at that polling station. The deputy returning officer then telephones the unofficial results to the returning officer, who officer then telephones the unofficial results to the returning officer, who makes them public immediately. makes them public immediately.

Validation of ResultsValidation of Results The validation of the results of a vote is done by a returning officer The validation of the results of a vote is done by a returning officer

generally in the week following polling day. generally in the week following polling day. The returning officer validates the results in the presence of the The returning officer validates the results in the presence of the

assistant returning officer, and any candidates or their representatives assistant returning officer, and any candidates or their representatives or, if none are present, at least two electors. or, if none are present, at least two electors.

During the validation, the returning officer must not open an envelope During the validation, the returning officer must not open an envelope that appears to contain ballots; he or she cannot recount the votes, and that appears to contain ballots; he or she cannot recount the votes, and cannot deal with any issues respecting irregularities at the poll. cannot deal with any issues respecting irregularities at the poll.

Once validation has been completed, the certificate of the returning Once validation has been completed, the certificate of the returning officer validating the result of votes is delivered to the Chief Electoral officer validating the result of votes is delivered to the Chief Electoral Officer and the candidates. On the seventh day following the validation, Officer and the candidates. On the seventh day following the validation, or as soon as possible after the completion of a judicial recount, the or as soon as possible after the completion of a judicial recount, the returning officer declares elected the candidate who obtained the largest returning officer declares elected the candidate who obtained the largest number of votes.number of votes.

The Chief Electoral Officer has no authority to correct or otherwise alter The Chief Electoral Officer has no authority to correct or otherwise alter results that have been validated by a returning officer. The only review results that have been validated by a returning officer. The only review mechanisms open for validated results are a judicial recount or mechanisms open for validated results are a judicial recount or contested election application. contested election application.

Judicial RecountsJudicial RecountsHow to get oneHow to get one

If the leading candidates receive the same number of votes after the If the leading candidates receive the same number of votes after the validation of the results, or if they are separated by less than one validation of the results, or if they are separated by less than one one-thousandth of the total votes cast in the electoral district, the one-thousandth of the total votes cast in the electoral district, the returning officer must automatically make a request to a judge for a returning officer must automatically make a request to a judge for a judicial recount and advise the candidates and their official agents of judicial recount and advise the candidates and their official agents of it in writing. it in writing.

Any elector, including a candidate, may also ask a judge to carry out Any elector, including a candidate, may also ask a judge to carry out a judicial recount. The request must be presented within four days a judicial recount. The request must be presented within four days of the validation of the results and must include an affidavit stating of the validation of the results and must include an affidavit stating that the count was improperly carried out, that ballots were that the count was improperly carried out, that ballots were improperly rejected or that the returning officer incorrectly added up improperly rejected or that the returning officer incorrectly added up the results at the validation. The applicant must deposit $250 with the results at the validation. The applicant must deposit $250 with the court as security for the costs of the candidate who obtained the the court as security for the costs of the candidate who obtained the largest number of votes. largest number of votes.

Judicial RecountsJudicial RecountsWhat HappensWhat Happens

If the judge agrees to proceed with a recount, it must begin within If the judge agrees to proceed with a recount, it must begin within four days of the receipt of the request or application. Except with the four days of the receipt of the request or application. Except with the permission of the judge, the only people permitted to be present at permission of the judge, the only people permitted to be present at the recount are the judge, the returning officer, the candidates and a the recount are the judge, the returning officer, the candidates and a maximum of three representatives for each candidate. If a candidate maximum of three representatives for each candidate. If a candidate is neither present nor represented, a maximum of three electors are is neither present nor represented, a maximum of three electors are entitled to attend on the candidate's behalf. entitled to attend on the candidate's behalf.

The judge makes the recount from the statements contained in the The judge makes the recount from the statements contained in the ballot boxes, or recounts some or all of the ballots returned by the ballot boxes, or recounts some or all of the ballots returned by the deputy returning officers. deputy returning officers.

If the judge decides that ballots need to be recounted, the judge will If the judge decides that ballots need to be recounted, the judge will then repeat the exercise done by the deputy returning officer on the then repeat the exercise done by the deputy returning officer on the polling night.polling night.

The results of a judicial recount are final and cannot be corrected or The results of a judicial recount are final and cannot be corrected or altered by a returning officer or the Chief Electoral Officer. altered by a returning officer or the Chief Electoral Officer.

Contested ElectionsContested Elections After a person is declared elected, any elector who was eligible to After a person is declared elected, any elector who was eligible to

vote in a district or any candidate in that district may bring an vote in a district or any candidate in that district may bring an application for a contested election before a judge. application for a contested election before a judge.

In a contested election proceeding, a judge is required to determine In a contested election proceeding, a judge is required to determine whether the person who won the election was eligible to be a whether the person who won the election was eligible to be a candidate or whether there were any other irregularities, fraud, or candidate or whether there were any other irregularities, fraud, or corrupt or illegal practices that affected the result of the election. corrupt or illegal practices that affected the result of the election.

This is a court proceeding at the end of which the judge either This is a court proceeding at the end of which the judge either dismisses the application or invalidates the result of the election. dismisses the application or invalidates the result of the election.

An appeal from this decision can be brought to the Supreme Court An appeal from this decision can be brought to the Supreme Court of Canada. of Canada.

CreditsCredits

The previous information and a great The previous information and a great deal more may be found at Elections deal more may be found at Elections Canada’s website at Canada’s website at http://www.elections.ca/home.asphttp://www.elections.ca/home.asp