Voting is habit forming. Research tells us that those who vote in the first election in which they are eligible are likely to become lifelong voters. Teachers can help to prepare students (or future electors) by introducing simple, practical ways to participate.
Read more about youth voting trends in Canada.
The Register of Future Electors
Canadian citizens who are between 14 and 17 years old can be added to the Register of Future Electors, a database that is maintained by Elections Canada. The information in the database (name, address, date of birth and citizenship) is kept confidential. Based on this data, Elections Canada will know when young citizens are ready to vote in their first election.
Want to know more? Visit Elections Canada’s Register of Future Electors page.
Check the box
One of the simplest ways to get on this register is for young Canadians to check “Yes” in the Elections Canada section on their tax form.
By checking “Yes,” they will have their name included on the register and, when they turn 18, their information will be entered into another register: the National Register of Electors. When an election is called, they will receive a voter information card that tells them where, when and the ways to vote.
Here’s how to check the boxes.
Curriculum links
Financial literacy is taught in many ways across Canada. If you already teach students how to complete their tax forms, you can explain that citizens under the age of 18 can check “Yes” to get on the Register of Future Electors. You can also inform their parents about the register, as they often help their children fill out their tax form.
Of course, teachers who use Elections Canada’s learning resources can also explain to their students that they can check “Yes” on their income tax form as part of a lesson. Checking “Yes” is a simple but meaningful way for students to engage in the democratic process before they turn 18 and ensure they get the information they need to vote in a federal election for the first time.
Privacy
The privacy of all information in the Register of Future Electors is protected by the Canada Elections Act and the Privacy Act. Elections Canada keeps the information in the register secure and uses it for authorized purposes only. Under the Canada Elections Act, future electors’ information cannot be shared with political parties, members of Parliament or candidates.