WATCH — Too young to vote? There are other ways to get involved
Mock elections help kids learn what voting is like
Ever been told you’re too young to make a difference?
With the federal election campaign underway across the country, you might feel like your voice is being left out.
Adults are heading to the polls on April 28.
In Canada, you have to be 18 or older to vote.
But did you know there are ways for you to support and learn more about issues and candidates you care about?
You can still participate in meaningful ways that make an impact.
Can you guess how old you have to be to join a political party?
The answer might surprise you. Click play to find out. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Ways to get involved
Experts we spoke to said that even if you can’t vote, it is important to be engaged in politics so that when the time comes to vote, you’re prepared.
That means learning lots about each party in your area, the candidates and what they believe in.
If you feel passionate about a particular issue or party, you can volunteer to help go door-to-door to talk to voters about it, or put up signs.
You can even join the party as a member if you’re 14 or older.
If you want to get involved in the process behind the scenes, you can work for Elections Canada.
Teens 16 and up can apply to work at the polls by doing things like preparing the polling station, greeting electors and even counting ballots.
Mock vote in your school
During the federal election, thousands of students participate in mock student elections.
An organization called Civix works with Elections Canada to run Student Vote Canada.
The votes don’t actually count toward the federal election results, but the process works a lot like a real election.
That helps kids learn what to expect when they cast a real ballot some day.
So far this year, 5,703 schools have signed up.
CBC Kids News will be visiting some participating schools and will report on the results of the student vote on April 29.
We want to hear from you
Want to know more about elections? Check out these videos and articles:
- What are the main political parties?
- What is a snap election?
- What election issue is most important to you and why?
TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press, graphic design by Philip Street/CBC
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