If you have a question, you just might find the answer here. If you have an outstanding inquiry, please email Stacey and she will get back to you as soon as possible.  Email: Stacey@studentvote.ca

What is the 'Lead Class'?
In many schools, the program is coordinated by a lead class or committee and mentored by the Team Leader (teacher).  It is usually a social studies class or senior level class.  However, in some schools, the ‘lead class’ is the student council or related committee.

The purpose is to involve students in the design, planning and execution of the program.  This approach leads to greater successes in achieving learning outcomes and provides students with a sense of ownership.

When will I receive my materials?
Election packages are shipped from our Victoria distribution centre via Canada Post’s XpressPost service.  Following registration, you can expect to receive your package within 2-4 days, depending on where you live.

Please look for an email from Canada Post with your tracking number and delivery notifications.

If you have any concerns regarding the arrival of your package, please contact our team at 1-866-488-8775 or info@studentvote.ca

When will I receive my ballots?
The ballot package containing your local candidate and referendum ballots will be shipped after the close of nominations on April 24th.  You can expect to receive this package during the first week of May.

Please make sure that you have selected the correct electoral district during registration.  If you need to update this information, please contact our office before April 24th.

Should I teach every single lesson in your resource?
The activity guides are designed to provide you with a wide variety of ideas to teach democracy, government and elections.  Overall, it is meant to guide you and your students through key themes and outcomes in preparation for your Student Vote Day.

Select the activities that will best suit your class and available time.  Feel free to modify the activities, adapt sections or create new ones – the choice is up to you!

Why can’t we hold our vote on general voting Day?
There are a few reasons why we organize Student Vote Day before the official voting day.  First of all, educators and students have told us repeatedly that they enjoy discussing their experience with family and friends, and that it can help motivate adults to cast their own vote the following day.

Secondly, an important piece of Student Vote initiative is public recognition.  In order to share the results with media partners in a timely fashion, Student Vote needs to provide the information in advance.

Thank you for adhering to the timelines we suggest.

Why should students do this if it doesn't count?
The simple answer is:  practice makes perfect and it matters.

The goal of the Student Vote program is to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills for effective and informed citizenship.

Countless educators agree that democratic engagement cannot simply be absorbed from a textbook. The most effective method is experience and genuine participation.

I teach a group of Grade 3’s. Isn’t that a little young to introduce voting to kids?
Not at all! The earlier the better.

Although the elementary activity guide has been developed with the grade 5 level in mind, most of the activities can be easily adapted for younger grades.

You mention having my school reach out into the wider community. How could I go about doing that?
Over the years, we have heard heartwarming and entertaining stories about how schools incorporate the program into their greater community. Some schools host all-candidates debates, initiate voter outreach campaigns for adults, and some write letters to newspapers.

It’s up to you whether or not you decide to integrate these kinds of activities into the class, but we guarantee you, students will benefit greatly from them and have a great time in the process.

Does the whole school have to be involved?
No, the decision is up to you and your colleagues.  However, for momentum and interest level, it’s a great idea to engage the entire student body.

Many schools have committed to entire student body participation, and that gives the students a tremendous sense of pride. There should always be one group of students leading the project, but if possible, all students should vote... just like all adults should.