STUDENT VOTE BEST PRACTICES

#1 – Start with the basics Make sure students have an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the three levels of government in Canada. It is the foundation for researching and debating the issues of the campaign. We offer numerous videos, PowerPoints, activities and trivia games to support this instruction.

The elected representative at the federal level is called a Member of Parliament (MP). There are 308 elected MPs who debate and pass laws in the House of Commons in Ottawa. The leader of the government is called the prime minister. The Queen is represented by the governor general. Federal Federal: National defence, trade, foreign policy, money, health and safety, immigration and citizenship. Provincial/Territorial: Health care, education, welfare, transportation within the province, justice, energy and the environment. Municipal: Waste management, water and sewer, policing and protection, and libraries. Division of Responsibilities

#2 – Incorporate news consumption and media literacy every day It takes 21 days to build a habit. Let’s promote newspaper readership and media consumption. Political interest and knowledge is developed through media consumption. Use multiple sources and encourage analysis.

Implement a daily news review and create a media wall.

#3 – Engage the candidates Give students a chance to get to know their candidates. Organize a friendly all-candidates forum, invite the candidates in for a one-on- one visit, them questions from students, or engage with them through social media. Remember to include all the candidates, not just the major parties!

Notre Dame Candidates’ Forum

#4 – Delve into the issues that matter to your students Facilitate research into the issues that matter most to your students. Help them realize that politics matters and government influences their lives. As a class, compare the party platforms of your students’ top issues.

#5 – Fuel political discussion at home Students are often inspired to take their newfound knowledge home and discuss the election with their parents. Find ways to encourage democracy at the dinner table through take-home activities. Provide an opportunity for students to ‘teach’ their parents about the voting process.

This mother voted for the first-time because of her daughter.

#6 – Read the letters and s sent by the CIVIX team The information we send is important or is intended to support your job as Team Leader. We try not to over communicate. Always verify that the riding you registered for is the correct riding before we print and distribute ballots.

#7 – Involve your colleagues Developing the skills of citizenship is the purpose of schools - it's not just a social studies objective. Encourage your colleagues to get involved in Student Vote. Student Vote runs well when there is a group of teachers involved and everyone is working towards the goal of school-wide engagement.

#8 – Engage local media and give your students a voice Reach out to local media and invite them to track your school’s involvement in the election. Some newspapers may be interested in publishing op- ed pieces by students or publishing an article and photos from Student Vote Day. Media coverage makes students feel that their opinions are valued and their participation is important.

BC Student announcing the results on CBC

#9 – Ensure students get the full experience of an election Create an election team with your students. Give as many students as possible a hands-on role promoting or coordinating Student Vote. Use departments such as communications, voter education, election day officials, and community and media relations.

Poll clerks at Elsie Roy Elementary School

Grade 11 Deputy Returning Officers counting ballots

#10 – Make Student Vote Day fun! Election day is an exciting day. Give your students an experience they will remember. Dress it up, make it fun, celebrate of our democratic rights and freedoms.

The Grade 5 ‘X-team’ dressed in polling official attire

Overall re-cap and teacher testimonials