FUTURE VOTERS IN ACTION
UCDSB Students Learn About Local Government and Elections

As municipal election day approaches on October 26, students across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) are learning about the democratic process, exploring how local government works and the role elections play in shaping their communities.

Schools are also building on this learning through activities in their classrooms and communities. Some examples include:

Athens District High School: Grade 7-12 students will have the opportunity to take part in Student Vote Canada, a CIVIX program offered in conjunction with Elections Canada, that provides students with experiential learning around the democratic process. Grade 10 English and French Civics and Citizenship classes will run a polling station on Friday, Oct. 23, from 1:10-2:10 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

Carleton Place High School: Approximately 60 Grade 7 students will participate in an event on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the Learning Commons, where Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell will speak about local government and community issues. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and read speeches about local issues, cast their ballots, and learn about the election process, including the paperwork involved in running an election.

Centennial Public School: Students in Grades 4 to 6 will take part in Student Vote with the support from the Grade 5 class, which will be encouraging participation and helping inform fellow students about their choices. Grade 5 students will also serve as poll clerks and vote counters.

Nationview Public School: Grade 5 and 6 students have been researching local candidates and their platforms while exploring municipal issues that are important to them. Students have identified the candidates whose priorities most closely align with their own. Their Student Vote will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 21. More than 80 students are expected to cast ballots.

"Helping students become informed and engaged citizens is an important part of public education," said UCDSB Chair Jamie Schoular. "Through Student Vote and related classroom activities, students are gaining firsthand experience with the democratic process and learning how they can contribute to the future of their communities."