UGDSB students learn about politics through Student Vote
April 17, 2018
GUELPH, Ontario – Many Upper Grand District School Board Schools are participating in the 2018 Student Vote. Has your school signed up?
What is Student Vote?
To coincide with government elections, many educators take the opportunity to teach students about levels of government, the electoral process, political parties, political platforms and issues that affect society.
The student vote gives educators a unique teaching tool by allowing schools to hold elections in the classroom. The results of these elections are shared with media for broadcast and publication once the official polls close.
Why is Student Vote important?
According to the Parliament of Canada website, “Elections Canada sees raising awareness among young people before they reach voting age as a promising approach… In 2004, Elections Canada began supporting the Student Vote Program (SVP), which allows young people under the age of 18 to experience the federal electoral process through a parallel election at their school…. An evaluation of the program commissioned in 2011 by Elections Canada found that this program ‘has a significant positive impact on many factors associated with voter turnout, including political knowledge, interest and attitudes.’”
Over the past several years, young voter turnout has been increasing, however it is still low when compared to older voter turnout, which means issues that are important to young people are often over looked when politicians are campaigning and sharing their platforms. According to UGDSB Secondary Curriculum Leader Sandra Kritzer, “Programs like Student Vote help students see the importance of voting. I’m not sure if it’s a correlation or just coincidence, but Student Vote is getting bigger and bigger across Canada, and so is the incidence of young people voting once they’re of age.”
In June 2018, UGDSB students will join thousands of other Canadian students in casting a ballot for the candidates running in the 2018 Ontario Provincial Election.
How does the Student Vote work?
Once your school has registered for this free program they receive materials including print and online educational materials, posters and supplies needed to hold an election.
In the materials, there are activities for students that are intended to inform students about the electoral process. These activities are designed to encourage students to research their candidates and issues, as well as start a dialogue with students, staff and parents/guardians.
On voting day, students take on the roles of deputy returning officers as well as poll clerks. They then have the opportunity to cast their ballots for official election candidates. This unique experience is set up like the official election, with ballots and screens to hide voting.
Thirty-two UGDSB elementary and secondary schools have already registered for the 2018 Student Vote. For more information or to register your school, visit the Student Vote website.
Categories: News