1. PowerPoint 2: Local Candidates and Issues

2. What is a electoral district? A electoral district is the name given to a geographical area represented by an elected official. It is also known as an riding or constituency. The size of a riding is determined by population size, geographical features and historical relationships There are 19 electoral districts in the NWT at the territorial level and they each represent approximately 2,500 people.

3. What is an MLA? At the territorial level in the Northwest Territories, the elected official is called a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). MLAs represent the needs and interests of their constituents (people living in their district) and address local issues. Residents of the NWT will elect 19 MLAs in the current territorial election - one for each electoral district. MLAs are elected as independent representatives, since there are no political parties at the territorial level.

4. How do we select our MLAs? Canada uses a system called First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) for selecting representatives. One member is selected for each riding. Citizens can only choose one candidate on the ballot. The winning candidate must receive the most number of votes.

5. How does our system work? Below is an example of a riding with 100 ballots cast in the election. CANDIDATENUMBER OF VOTES Leila 40 John 15 Emma 11 Thomas 34 Leila wins because she has the most votes.

6. How does someone run for election? Elections NWT is the independent, non-partisan agency responsible for conducting fair territorial elections. A person running for election is called a candidate. Any person who wants to run in the territorial election must file nomination papers with Elections NWT by the nomination deadline. Elections NWT posts the names of the candidates on their website: www.electionsnwt.ca

7. Your Own Political Views Your political views are developed from your experiences, personal feelings and opinions. Your views are also shaped by talking to people whose opinions you respect, by doing research in the media and by reflecting on your own values.

8. Getting to know the Candidates There are many sources to gather information about your local candidates: town hall meetings or candidate debates, radio and television, newspaper and magazines, websites and social media, and campaign offices and events.

9. Final Thoughts How should you evaluate candidates? What characteristics or skills do you expect from your MLA? What local issues are important to you?