Canadian electoral system

The Canadian electoral system is based on a parliamentary system of government, modelled on that of the United Kingdom.

The Canadian federal Parliament consists of:
*The sovereign (represented by the "Governor General")
*An upper house (the "Senate"), the members of which are appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister
*A lower house (the "House of Commons"), the members of which are chosen by the citizens of Canada through federal general elections.

"Elections Canada" is the non-partisan agency responsible for the conduct of elections in Canada, including federal elections, by-elections and referendums. It is headed by the Chief Electoral Officer.

Representation in the House of Commons

Representation in the House of Commons is based on geographical divisions known as electoral districts, constituencies or ridings. Each riding elects one member to the House of Commons, and the number of ridings is established through a formula set out in the Constitution.

Riding boundaries are established by independent commissions, and take into account:
*population
*social links
*economic links.

New commissions are set up following each decennial census to make any necessary revisions to existing boundaries, following criteria defined in the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act. The process of redefining electoral boundaries is called "redistribution", and the results are recorded in a "representation order". The Representation Order of 2003 set the number of ridings at 308.

First past the post

Canada’s electoral system is referred to as a "first past the post" system. The candidate with the most votes wins; "an absolute majority is not needed". They receive a seat in the House of Commons and represent their riding as its Member of Parliament.

Elections occur every four years, except when the government of the day is defeated by a "no confidence" motion, which triggers an election at any time. Canada has broken with the tradition Westminster system and has fixed election dates.

Any number of candidates may run for election in an electoral district, but each candidate may only run in one district, either independently or under the banner of a political party. Each party may endorse only one candidate per riding. Candidates who run for election without party affiliation may be designated as "independent" or as having "no affiliation".

A political party is a group of people who together:
* Establish a "constitution" and "by-laws"
* Elect a "leader" and other officers
* Endorse "candidates" for election to the House of Commons.

To obtain the right to put the party name on the ballot, under the names of the candidates it endorses, a political party must register with the Chief Electoral Officer. At the 2000 election, there were 11 registered political parties operating at the federal level in Canada. "See List of political parties in Canada."

After an election, the party with the "most elected representatives" usually becomes the "governing party". The leader of this party becomes the Prime Minister of Canada and chooses people (usually MPs of his or her party) to head the various government departments. The party with the "second largest" number of MPs is called the Official Opposition. All the elected candidates have a seat in the House of Commons, where they vote on draft legislation (called "Bills") and thus have an influence on government policy.

Everyone must have access

All citizens have the right to a voice in choosing their parliamentary representatives. Canada’s electoral law requires the Chief Electoral Officer to "inform the public" about the system and about individual rights under that system, and to "remove obstacles" that may make voting difficult for some.

During an election, Elections Canada informs Canadians about their "right to vote", how to get on the National Register of Electors and the voters list, and where and how they can vote. Its public information activities include
*"News releases"
*"Advertisements" in newspapers and on television and radio, brochures, posters, videos,
*A toll-free "telephone" enquiries centre
*A "website"
*"Meetings" with community and ethnocultural groups.

Between elections, the agency publishes additional "background information" for the public, keeps its telephone enquiries centre and Website open to "answer questions", and works with educators to "encourage young people" to vote when they become eligible.

Helping to remove obstacles to voting is an important part of Elections Canada’s work. Voters who are not able to vote on polling day can vote at the "advance polls". A "mail-in" special ballot is available for Canadians who are away from their ridings, traveling or temporarily resident overseas. Even Canadians in their own ridings during the election period may use the special ballot if they do not wish to go to a Polling Station. In special cases, electors with a disability may vote at home, in the presence of an election officer. "Mobile polls" serve voters living in certain institutions, such as nursing homes for people who are elderly or who have a disability.

Wherever possible, election officers at polling stations speak both official languages (English and French). In addition, a deputy returning officer can appoint and swear in an "interpreter" to help communicate with a voter.

For voters with special needs, most polling stations provide "level access", or voters can get a transfer certificate to vote at a station with level access. "Templates" are available for voters with a visual disability. On request, a deputy returning officer can help a voter with a disability or a voter who "cannot read" in any way that will enable the person to vote. A friend or relative can also assist the voter. Elections Canada maintains a toll-free TTY telephone enquiries line for voters who are deaf or hard of hearing.

All votes are made on the same standard heavy paper ballot which is inserted in a standard cardboard box, furnished by Elections Canada. The ballot and the box are devised to ensure that no one except the elector knows the individual choice that was made. Counting the ballots is done "by hand" in full view of the representatives of each candidate. There are no mechanical, electrical or electronic systems involved in this process.

References

* [http://www.elections.ca Elections Canada]

ee also

*List of Canada's electoral districts

External links

* [http://www.mapleleafweb.com/features/canada-s-electoral-system-introduction-federal-and-provincial-elections Canada’s Electoral System: Introduction to Federal and Provincial Elections | Mapleleafweb.com]