Decoding: Federal Elections

Canada has been having federal elections since its confederation in 1867, although the rules about voting have changed quite a bit since then. But not all countries have the right to vote, and those with elections have different systems. So what do federal elections really mean? And why bother with them?

 

Elections are the means through which citizens are allowed to make their opinions known about issues, parties, and potential leaders.

So they are an essential part of the democratic process. For a state to be considered democratic, one of the basic requirements is that free and fair elections be held on a regular basis. 

 

The first rule is that there has to be a federal election at least every 5 years.

 

Federal elections occur when the Prime Minister asks the Governor General to dissolve Parliament. This typically happens for one of two reasons: 

1- The government is approaching the limit of their mandate (the 5 years period)

2- The parliament members have lost the confidence of the House of Commons. 

 

After the PM requests an election, an election date is set. In Canada, there has to be at least 36 days between the announcement of an election and the actual day of the vote.

 

A single day of voting across Canada also requires a lot of planning.

 

Elections Canada is the independent organization responsible for actually running federal elections. Thousands of people are involved locally in helping Elections Canada run the election, including poll clerks, deputy returning officers, registration staff, and administrative staff.  For example, voting stations are open at staggered times across Canada to ensure that they all close at a similar time. This way votes are tabulated simultaneously across the country and results are available shortly after polls close.

 

MPs are our voice and are the ones that make decisions on our behalf. Elections are the process by which we are able to hold them accountable. Make sure your representative reflects your interests and concerns. Get out and make your voice heard: VOTE!

 

Of course, voting isn’t the only way you can participate in federal elections. Elections Canada needs poll clerks to work at the local voting stations across the country. To apply for a position as a poll clerk for an election or any other position with Elections Canada, check out this website: http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=gen&document=ec90527&dir=bkg&lang=e&textonly=false 

 

You can also participate in a candidate’s campaign by joining their campaign team. If you’re really interested in federal politics you may even want to run for a seat yourself as a member of one of Canada’s political parties or as an independent candidate. Just remember that in order to vote or to be a candidate you must be 18 years of age or older and a Canadian citizen.

 

The elections process itself is huge to match our enormous country, but it essentially breaks down to individuals. It is up to Canadians to take advantage of the elections process and go out and get involved by supporting a candidate, working as a poll clerk, or simply by voting.

 

 

Sources:

"Elections Canada online | Information for Candidates and Political Parties". Elections Canada online. 29 May 2006. Internet. 10 Nov. 2010. <http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=gen&document=ec90556&dir=bkg&lang=e&textonly=false>

 

"Elections Canada online | Work on election day". Elections Canada On-line -. 29 May 2006. Web. 10 Nov. 2010.<http://www.elections.ca/home.asp>