Tens of thousands of kids across the region will be heading to the polls over the next few days, along with their older friends and family.
Students, including select schools within the St Clair Catholic and Lambton Kent District School Board, are taking part in Student Vote Canada, a national parallel election program that brings democracy to life in classrooms.
Designed to introduce students to politics and foster a habit of democratic participation, the program gives students the opportunity to explore the parties and platforms, debate the issues, and cast ballots for the actual candidates running in their local electoral districts.
Delivered by CIVIX, in collaboration with Elections Canada, Student Vote Canada provides students with a meaningful way to experience the democratic process firsthand. Participating schools receive extensive learning materials and authentic voting supplies — including ballots, boxes, and voting screens — to replicate the full experience of an election.
“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.”
Student Vote Canada results will be released publicly, by electoral district, after official polls close on election day.
