Why I Vote

Voter turnout rates have been lower in recent years in Canada, this is worrisome.

Official turnout for the 40th federal general election held in 2008 was an all-time low of 58.8% for 2008. The participation in 2011 is comparable to the turnout seen in other elections since 2000, but much lower than participation prior to 1993, when turnout typically varied between 70% and 80%. Ref: http://www42.statcan.gc.ca/smr08/2011/smr08_152_2011-eng.htm

The purpose of our "Why I Vote" project is to have students appreciate the importance of voting in a democratic society such as Canada's by having students interview and record the thoughts and insights of their parents and grandparents.

Many Canadians have come to Canada from difficult situations in their home countries. One of the things that new Canadians cherish most is the opportunity to have their voices heard by voting freely in democratic elections.

Voting is something that many Canadians appear to be taking for granted in recent elections.

It is my hope that by having my students participate in our "Why I Vote" project, they will come to develop a greater appreciation for the responsibility that comes with Canadian citizenship.

It is my hope to have our project culminate with our school hosting a Canadian Citizenship ceremony at the end of the school year.

Mise à jour (24 septembre 2013)

Students researched the issue of voting in Canada. They created and launched the Website http://www.whyivote.ca. Students made blog posts sharing their opinions on the issue, based upon the research they had done. Students had discussions with their families about issues relating to voting and democracy in Canada. Students created a video that expressed their feelings about these issues.

Mise à jour (10 septembre 2014)

My grade 6 Social Studies class will be adding new content to our project during the 2014-2015 school year.