The Government of Saskatchewan is providing a grant of almost $25,000 to Student Vote, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, to engage students in Saskatchewan's upcoming provincial election. This funding is in addition to the $300,000 provided through Heritage Canada to support parallel election programs during several provincial and territorial elections this fall.
"I encourage all Saskatchewan schools to get their students involved in this innovative program to engage students in a parallel election for students under voting age," Education Minister Donna Harpauer said. "This is a great opportunity for our young people to learn about the democratic process and their responsibilities as a citizen."
In Student Vote programs, a lead class or committee of students take on the responsibility of engaging other students in the campaign and co-ordinating an in-school, parallel election that coincides with an official election. Students can discuss and deliberate current issues, candidates and party policies. On Election Day, students have the chance to cast their vote in the school.
"Student Vote believes that one of the best ways to encourage voting in young Canadians is to get them started casting ballots early in life," Student Vote CEO Taylor Gunn said. "It gives them an opportunity to cultivate the habits of informed and engaged citizens."
Almost 300 Saskatchewan schools participated in the federal Student Vote parallel election in 2011, including Saskatoon Public School Division's Marion M. Graham Collegiate. It's estimated that even more schools will participate in the provincial parallel election this fall.
"A major strength of Student Vote is that the students have ownership and take on the responsibility of running the election," Marion M. Graham Collegiate teacher Dan Dewar said. "Student Vote teaches students to be engaged in the democratic process. It is significant that they actively learn to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens of a democracy."
Schools that are interested in getting involved in the Student Vote program can register their school at www.studentvote.ca.
