With the federal election set for Monday, April 28, students across the Trail area are heading to the polls — mock polls, that is — as part of Student Vote Canada.
“Schools are voting between Wednesday and Monday, it varies by school,” explained Dan Allan, Chief Program Officer at CIVIX, the organization behind the program.
Participating schools in the Trail area include St. Michael’s Catholic School, Glenmerry Elementary, J. Lloyd Crowe Secondary, Kootenay Columbia Learning Centre, and J.L. Webster Elementary.
Student Vote Canada is a national initiative that gives elementary and high school students a hands-on experience with the democratic process.
Delivered by CIVIX in collaboration with Elections Canada, the program aims to boost civic engagement from an early age.
“The results will be available Monday afternoon (under embargo), and available publicly at the close of official polls,” Allan noted.
Through Student Vote, students research party platforms, engage in classroom debates, and cast ballots for the actual candidates running in their local ridings, all using official-looking ballots, boxes, and voting screens provided by CIVIX.
“Student Vote is more than a simulation — it’s a chance for students to see themselves as active citizens and future voters,” said Lindsay Mazzucco, Chief Executive Officer of CIVIX.
"Research shows that early experiences with voting can build the habits and confidence that lead to lifelong participation, and teachers across Canada continue to make that possible.”
Since 2003, more than 9 million ballots have been cast by students in 69 elections.
Independent evaluations show the program boosts knowledge of government, increases civic responsibility, and builds confidence in voting.
The results of Student Vote Canada will be released by riding after polls close on election night, offering insight into the views and priorities of Canada’s youth.
Student Vote Canada has been run during every federal election since 2004, backed by Elections Canada and driven by CIVIX, a non-partisan charity focused on civic education and digital literacy.
