On Monday, May 11, students at Fleetwood Park Secondary, Walnut Road Elementary and Beaver Creek Elementary schools went to the ballot box at their schools to vote in the B.C. election. Although these ballots don’t count toward final results, by participating, students become informed citizens who understand and appreciate the democratic process – and that’s the point, says Student Vote, a non-profit and non-partisan organization that coordinates the vote with participating schools.

Identical to the adult process, students take on roles of deputy returning officers and poll clerks to coordinate their Student Vote Day. Ballots with official candidates are supplied by Student Vote, as are district maps, a campaign calendar and lesson plans.

The ballots are counted by students at school and submitted to the Student Vote returning office. On election night, the results are released publicly only after official polls close. The CBC and newspapers also announce results.

Beaver Creek students in Grades 4 - 7 cast their ballot in Student Vote

Last Updated: May 11, 2009