Election Simulation Voting Rules! – Lesson 9

Time to decide Read Background handout What did Plato mean when he said “the price people pay for not concerning themselves with politics is to be governed by people worse than themselves”? Do you think he is right or wrong? Why? Can you give examples to support his statement? What are some reasons for voter apathy?

Introduction to the Election Process There are three parties running for election The Environmental Change Party, The Communication Party, and The Democratic Humanitarian Party The party that wins the most seats (districts) in the election will get to create the government, and the leader of that party will become the Prime Minister Each party will have a candidate in one of the following four ridings

Riding 1 Small Urban area, with the highest population. Population has a high density, lots of high rise condos and apartment buildings. The main industry is retail. This is also the home of the University. Residents are wealthy and most are employed, or go to school. The average age of the eligible voter is 27 years old.

Riding 2 Medium sized, sub-urban area, with a high population. Population is dense, but most live in single detached homes with small yards. The main industry comes from a large auto factory in the area, although many residents do commute to District 1 to work. The main method for commuting is by car and it takes over an hour to drive the short distance to District 1. Residents would be considered upper middle class, most residents are employed, but unemployment is always a concern with the changes to the auto industry. The average age of the eligible voter is 38 years old.

Riding 3 Large rural area with a medium population. Population is sparse, but there is a large town in the district. The main industry is agriculture, and most residents live on farms. Residents would be considered middle-class. Most residents are employed, but there is a significant portion of the population that is unemployed. The town holds a large retirement community boosting the average age of the eligible voter to 65 years old.

Riding 4 Large rural area with a low population. Population is sparse, most residents live in isolated villages. The main industries are forestry and mining. Residents would be considered low income people as unemployment is very high. Many of the residents have lived in the area for generations, and although forestry and mining are the main sources of employment they still have a deep connection with and concern for the land and its natural resources.

Jobs of the Political Parties Decide which Candidates will represent which Ridings Students prepare for their campaign Create a campaign speech for their leader, and candidates May also create posters, pamphlets, etc. Remember to sell your political party, and its’ ideas. Keep in mind the descriptions of the electoral districts Remaining party members can continue to work on campaign materials, or help organize materials for the election