Local students are set to cast their vote in a mock federal election.
Student Vote Canada is an election program aimed at bringing democracy to life in classrooms across the country.
The program is designed to introduce students to politics and inspire democratic participation by giving them a chance to explore the parties, platforms, issues, and cast their ballots for candidates running in their electoral districts.
“Independent evaluations consistently show that the program increases students' knowledge of government and elections, strengthens their sense of civic responsibility, and builds confidence in their ability to participate in the voting process,” a CIVIX news release said.
Participating in the voting process from the Foothills School Division includes the Foothills Composite High School, École Okotoks Junior High School, Foothills Digital School, Big Rock School, and Westmount Charter School.
Christ The Redeemer Catholic Schools division students from the École Good Shepherd School, Holy Trinity Academy, St. Mary's School, and St. John Paul II Collegiate will also take part in the vote.
Each school received authentic voting supplies, including ballots, boxes, and voting screens, to replicate the full experience of an election.
"Student Vote is more than a simulation — it's a chance for students to see themselves as active citizens and future voters," said Lindsay Mazzucco, Chief Executive Officer of CIVIX. "Research shows that early experiences with voting can build the habits and confidence that lead to lifelong participation — and teachers across Canada continue to make that possible."
The Student Vote results will be released, offering a snapshot of the priorities and perspectives of the next generation.
More than 9 million ballots have been cast by students across 69 elections since 2003.