A photo on social media showed these brothers promoting the Student Vote Polling Station they had set up in their living room for Valley home schooled children. It wasn’t hard to find – the boys had posted a large Vote Here sign outside. Above: Gregory Shaw (holding ballot) and James Shaw (with voters list on clipboard) in front of Elections Canada polling screen and ballot box.
Polling Clerk James Shaw explained that it was his job to welcome voters and ensure that only those registered cast a ballot. James said the children could mark their ballot with a tick, an X or colour in the box next to their chosen candidate’s name. He held a clipboard with a list of the students who had already voted that day. Gregory Shaw said that while his brother was the “greeter,” he as Deputy Returning Officer had different responsibilities. He displayed a sample ballot and explained that each voter went behind the screen to vote, the ballot was then folded inwards and initialled on the outside by the Polling Clerk before being deposited in the ballot box. The Student Vote materials were impressive – the screen and the box looked exactly like the official ones used recently for Advanced Polling at the Opeongo Senior Centre.
Student Vote is a parallel election for young Canadians. More than one million students are expected to vote for the local candidates running in their riding during National Student Vote Week from October 15 to 18. James’ and Gregory’s mother, Christine Shaw, organized the program for Madawaska Valley home schoolers. She said it offers good learning experiences for all ages, allowing young Canadians to learn about government and the electoral process. They research the parties and platforms, discuss relevant issues and cast ballots for the official election candidates. Christine said the older students find it particularly relevant.
It’s not just for home schoolers. According to Student Vote social media platforms, many area schools are participating this year – among them Sherwood, Killaloe, St. Martin of Tours, Whitney and Renfrew Collegiate Institute. Student Vote results are released to the media for broadcast and publication following the close of the official polls. In order for the results from their Polling Station to be included, James and Gregory counted and re-checked the count after their Student poll closed. Then, working with Christine, they input all the data online to upload to Student Vote before the deadline on October 18.
Before then, though,, it’s your turn to do your civic duty. General Election Day is Monday, October 21. In Madawaska Valley the polling stations are open between 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and are located at:
- Combermere Recreation Centre, 1090 Farmers Road, Combermere
- Opeongo Seniors Centre, 19 Stafford Street, Barry’s Bay
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 406, 250 John Street, Barry’s Bay
So pleased that Ms. Poff (Sherwood PS) brought that to our sons classroom. We feel its a great benefit and early learning experience. Hayden got very involved in learning more about politics and I think he and the rest of the students were excited to have their voices heard., even if just in a school setting. Teaches them how important it is to GET OUT AND VOTE!