Elections Flashcards
When Canadians vote during a federal election, where does the winning candidate need to go?
Ottawa.
Can voters choose to elect the same person again?
Yes
What is another name for Members of the House of Commons?
Members of Parliament or MPS.
How often are federal elections held?
Every four years.
What month and day do elections happen?
The third Monday in October.
Who does the Prime Minister have to ask if he wants an earlier election?
The Governor General.
How many electoral districts does Canada currently have?
338
What is another name for an electoral district?
Riding or constituency.
What is the definition of an electoral district?
A federal electoral district is a geographical area represented by a Member of Parliament.
How many MPs can be elected in each electoral district?
1
What are the people who are competing for an elected position called?
Candidates
After an election, which party forms the government?
The party with the most seats in the House of Commons forms the government.
When does a minority government occur?
When no one political party has the majority of the seats.
Who chooses cabinet ministers?
The Prime Minister.
Who is Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition?
The opposition party with the most members in the House of Commons
What is a political party?
A group of people who have similar ideas about how their city, province or country should be governed
What are the 4 major political parties in the House of Commons?
The Conservative Party, the Liberal Party, the New Democratic Party (NDP), and the Bloc Quebecois.
How old does a person have to be to vote?
18
Who is entitled to vote in Canadian federal elections?
A Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old on voting day and is on the voter’s list.
Who makes the voters’ list?
Elections Canada.
What is the list of voters made by Elections Canada called?
National Register of Electors
What happens immediately after the polling stations close?
Elections officers count the ballots.
How are Members of Parliament chosen?
By secret ballot.
In Canada, are you obliged to tell other people how you voted?
No
When you go to vote on election day, what do you do?
Bring the voter information card and proof of your identity and address - choose the candidate that you want to vote for and mark an “X” - you should fold the ballot and give it to the people who are working at the polling station – after the poll official will tears off the ballot number and gives your ballot back to you, you can put it in the ballot box.
What should you bring with you to the voting place?
A voter information card. You also need to bring one piece of government issued photo identification (such as a driver’s licence or passport) with you to the voting place.
Can you still vote if your name is not on the voters’ list?
Yes
Where can you find election results?
You can find election results on television or online at Elections Canada.
Who is responsible for conducting an election?
A returning officer.
What is an enumerator?
A person who goes door to door
What is a voting station?
The table inside the voting place where a voter receives his/her ballot.
Someone will come to your door before a provincial election. They will ask for the names of eligible voters who live in your home. What are they called?
Enumerators
What is a ballot?
A piece of paper.
What is a municipal electoral area called?
A ward.
What is a provincial electoral area called?
An electoral division.
What is a federal electoral area called?
A constituency or riding.
