Student vote bringing ‘democracy to life’ in local classrooms

More than 7,000 schools across the country, including nearly 30 locally, are taking part in Student Vote Canada’s election program.  

With Canadians heading to the polls on Monday, nearly one million students will be doing the same.  

Officials say Student Vote Canada brings democracy to life in classrooms, giving students the chance to explore the parties and platforms, debate issues, and cast ballots for the actual candidates running in their local ridings.  

“Student Vote is more than a simulation — it’s a chance for students to see themselves as active citizens and future voters,” says Lindsay Mazzucco, Chief Executive Officer of CIVIX, which has partnered with Elections Canada for the program. “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 across 69 elections.  

Results of the student vote will be released after official polls close on election day.  

Officials say it offers a unique snapshot of the priorities and perspectives of Canada’s next generation. 

They say schools taking part in our area include 17 at the Near North District School Board, six at Conseil Scolaire Catholique Franco-Nord and five at the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board.  

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