10 Historical Facts about Voting in Canada

by Apathy is Boring Volunteer Melissa — February 15, 2008

1 – It’s Your Vote, Not Anyone Else’s
The secrecy aspect is half the fun! Canada was one of the first countries to recognize your right to keep your voting choices confidential so that you can express your true opinion without the influence of peer pressure or intimidation. In 1874, Canada introduced paper ballots and voting booths to ensure the secrecy of your vote, protecting your right to make your voice heard without fear. And who doesn't think it's kinda cool to do the deed in a private voting booth?

2 – Women Have a Long History of Voting and Serving in Canada
Thanks to the women’s suffrage movement, women definitely aren’t suffering in voter representation. Women have been able to vote in Canada since 1918, and that following year, they won the right to run for public office. In 1921, Agnes Macphail capitalized on this new right by becoming the first woman elected to Parliament.

3 – Discrimination Has No Place in the Political Process
Equality is definitely sexy. In 1920, Canada introduced the Dominion Elections Act and established a Chief Electoral Officer to prevent discrimination in the electoral system. This began the long process of opening up the right to vote to every Canadian, regardless of religion, race, or sex.

4 – Voting Is Open to All Canadians, Old or New
Canada has taken many steps to return political rights to the first inhabitants of this land. In 1950, the Inuit won the right to vote and to run for public office. In 1960, this right was extended unconditionally to First Nations peoples, allowing them to vote without giving up their status under the Indian Act.

5 – All Canadians Can Vote, Regardless of Their Faith
In the aftermath of the Second World War, social boundaries such as religion and race were gradually broken down. This was soon reflected with similar changes in Canadian voting rights. In 1955, all traces of religious discrimination were removed from federal election law. This gave all citizens the right to vote, regardless of their faith.

6 – Young People Are an Important Voice in Canada
At 18, you’re old enough to serve in the military and die for your country, so why shouldn’t you be old enough to vote? In 1970, Canada lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, giving more young people like YOU the chance to make their voices heard.

7 – Voting is a Right that is 100% Guaranteed
Want to vote for your beliefs? Run for public office? Go for it! If you’re over 18 and a Canadian citizen, it’s your right. In 1982, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guaranteed the right to vote and the right to run as a candidate in a federal election.

8 – Voting is Easy and Accessible
As a result of the Canada Elections Act of 1992, more and more people have access to the vote. This bill helped make voting more convenient by introducing measures such as translators, mail-in ballots, and wheelchair access to voting stations. With these added conveniences, more people are able to vote, and the results are a better representation of the electorate.

9 – Everyone Deserves to Have Their Voice Heard
All free citizens already had the right to cast ballots, but in 1993, this right was extended even to those behind bars. This gave people serving prison terms of less than two years the right to vote. In 2002, the Supreme Court of Canada extended this right to all inmates. So even if they take away your freedom, they can never take away your rights.

10 – What All This Means for YOU
Politicians and activists have spent years throughout history fighting for your right to vote. With all the work that has gone into making sure that you have a voice—regardless of your gender, ethnicity, religion, or anything else—why throw away this opportunity? Next election, remember the long road that has brought us where we are now, and take advantage of it by going out to vote!

Sources:
Elections Canada

Civilization.ca