Education
Instructors, counselors and others who work with young people play an important role in educating new and future voters about the electoral process. For this reason it is important that those who work with youth do what they can to educate youth about the democratic process. In the 2005 British Columbia general election, only 35% of eligible voters aged 18-24 voted. Reversing this alarming trend is critical to the future health of our democratic institutions.
Elections BC’s Education Kits
Elections BC has developed two education kits to introduce youth to the importance of active participation in the provincial electoral process. The Grade 5 education kit is entitled “The Election Tool Kit,” and the Grade 11 education kit is entitled “Think Choose VOTE.”
The kits have been designed to fulfill prescribed learning outcomes of the Grade 5 and Grade 11 B.C. curricula. However, the primary goal of both products is to encourage young people to become active citizens, regardless of their age or grade level. As a result, educators are encouraged to adapt the kits’ contents to the particular needs of their class or group.
In addition to the electronic copies available above, both kits are available in hard copy. If you would like a copy of either sent your school, please contact Elections BC toll-free at 1-800-661-8683 or by email: electionsbc@elections.bc.ca.
