1. Canada’s Electoral Process

2. Representative Democracy Unlike in ancient civilizations, where propertied men were expected to participate and vote directly on matters of state (“DIRECT DEMOCRACY”); Canada’s population is too large to support this kind of system Therefore, Canadians elect “representatives” to speak on their behalf in government (“REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY”) all voters have an equal opportunity to choose their representatives

3. Why Political Parties? Political parties offer Canadians choice in government. If there were only one candidate, voters could not effect change in the same way. Without choice the democratic process would be a sham Political parties offer stability to the political process. Members of the same party have the same beliefs To help the selection process, every political candidate has a party platform. Political Parties legitimize “good” candidates. Associating with a known political party helps a candidate achieve a certain amount of legitimacy. Official Party Status In order to be an official political party, parties must have a minimum of 12 seats. By being official, parties can receive funding and are able to participate in debates in the House of Commons.

4. Overview of Elections In order to vote in elections, you be: - Over eighteen years of age - A Canadian citizen Federal and Provincial elections are held at least every five years. Municipal elections are held every two to three years. Voting participation varies, but those who do not vote make the votes of others more influential.

5. Federal Elections Jurisdiction is through Elections Canada, with authority through the Canada Elections Act Chief Electoral Officer, although appointed by Governor General (on advice from Prime Minister), is considered NON-PARTISAN NON-PARTISAN= not influenced by or affiliated with any political party

6. 6 Stages of a Federal Election Dissolution Nomination Enumeration Campaigning Balloting Tabulation NOTE – same process applies to Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

7. Stage 1: Dissolution Governor General “dissolves” Parliament (the legislative branch of the government) after receiving a formal request from the Prime Minister PM can call an election at any time during their 5 year “term” From here, Parliament and its members cannot conduct any gov’t. business However, the executive branch (Cabinet and Ministers) are allowed to maintain daily functions and respond to major issues

8. Stage 1: Dissolution Another way a Governor General may call an election is when Parliament’s majority of members votes against a MOTION OF CONFIDENCE. This forces the G G to dissolve parliament, even if the Prime Minister does not agree with the move. One more way is if a Prime Minister refuses to call an election after 5 years (unless in a time of war – then 2/3 vote needed to continue) MOTION OF CONFIDENCE= any bill that would stop the functioning of government if not passed (ex.- the year’s budget)

9. Stage 1: Dissolution Once Governor General has dissolved Parliament, G G then orders WRITS for an election to be sent to each of the RIDINGS WRITS= a document calling for an election to be held in a riding, with an order to return the document at the end of an election with the winner listed RIDING= also known as an ELECTORAL DISTRICT or CONSTITUENCY; a location that encompasses roughly 100 000 electors who vote for a representative for that location

10. Stage 2: Nomination Nomination involves choosing who will act as candidates in each of the ridings Usually candidates belong to and therefore represent a political party; However, some candidates run in a riding’s election as an independent candidate (not belonging to any party) Potential candidates may only run in one riding during an election, yet are not required to live in that riding

11. Stage 2: Nomination To be nominated, the criteria involves: Canadian citizen At least 18 years old on election day Has not been disqualified as voter Potential candidates must apply with Elections Canada to be an official candidate: File nomination papers with 100 witnesses’ signatures (of people living in that riding) Deposit of $1000 Appoint an agent to represent candidate

12. Stage 2: Nomination Political parties tend to nominate candidates of their own by having nomination campaigns at their local riding offices This process tends to occur before the election is called by the Governor General Once election begins, however, it is up to the potential candidate to file their own nomination papers with Elections Canada

13. Stage 3: Enumeration This process involves collecting and updates the names of electors on the NATIONAL REGISTER OF VOTERS by Elections Canada Eligible electors may register themselves with Elections Canada; similarly, officials from EC will drop by residences to ensure list is updated and correct Electors may register on the day of voting at the polling station

14. Stage 4: Campaigning Considered similar to advertising or marketing, this involves ‘getting the message out’ about candidates’ beliefs Campaigns are strictly limited to the time between dissolution of Parliament and the day before the election Campaigning as a member of a political party involves giving party’s beliefs as well as one’s own (usually for that riding’s needs)

15. Stage 4: Campaigning Campaigning involves candidates explaining their promises of POLICIES (specific acts they would make into law if elected) and PLATFORMS (groups of policies on a specific issue) It also involves candidates attempting to present a personality and background that is acceptable to their CONSTITUENTS (electors in that riding)

16. Public Opinion Polls Polls project voter behaviour. Polling companies provide the data from a cross-section of the Canadian population. Poll results can be very influential. For example, the campaign organizers of candidates may alter their speeches to reflect the issues that are important to voters. Results can't be published 24 hours before an election if a party has a large lead, many people will not vote because they consider their vote useless

17. Stage 5: Balloting This is the act of casting a vote, also known as POLLING or VOTING Balloting will occur at specific locations throughout each riding across the country (ex.- small gym here at LSS) Voting takes place in private No ads allowed at polling stations Elections Canada hires DEPUTY RETURNING OFFICERS and POLL CLERKS to run the elections at each local polling station Each employee is trained prior to election

18. Stage 5: Balloting Method is considered through SECRET BALLOT An X is marked on the ballot opposite the candidate of your choice This is to reduce chance that an elector has been intimidated, coerced or bribed to vote in a direction they would not choose to vote Therefore, voting electronically has not been implemented yet, as it cannot be ensured that the votes can remain secret

19. Stage 5: Balloting Along with balloting on election day, there are also two other methods of voting: ADVANCED BALLOTING: Held on 3 days prior to election; meant for those who will not be available to vote on election day SPECIAL VOTING: Held prior to election and mailed to Elections Canada by elector; used for those who cannot head to a polling station during election

20. Stage 5: Balloting Canadian citizens have the right to vote if: 18 years or older on election day Hold proper ID or is able to present a witness to swear an oath to your identity Only two citizens, Chief Electoral Officer and the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, cannot vote in Federal Elections

21. Stage 6: Tabulation Means counting of ballots after polling stations close after an election At each polling station, deputy returning officer and poll clerks, in presence of SCRUTINEERS, counts ballots one- by-one and records results If a ballot is rejected (marked improperly), DRO reports this; if scrutineers disagree, DRO reports these objections as well DRO must, in presence of these people, report the results to Elections Canada

22. Stage 6: Tabulation If evidence of fraud or tampering with elections process is observed, officials can be taken to court for criminal violations of Canada Elections Act As well, Elections Canada may fire officials if time permits to send replacement If tabulation in riding shows difference of less than 1/1000 th of all votes cast between two winning candidates, a JUDICIAL RECOUNT is ordered

23. By-elections At times a Member of Parliament retires, is removed from, or is unable to perform functions of job; then a by- election is called for that particular riding only Same process for election, except that: Parliament is not dissolved as a whole Candidates are not given free time on airwaves to broadcast their platforms Parties are not reimbursed for campaign expenses (they are during regular federal election)