The poll clerks were ready, the scrutineers in place, and the chief electoral officer was answering last minute questions before voters filled the gym.
The only stipulation in this election 鈥� voters had to be under 18 years old.
Less than a week before the federal election, students at Arden Elementary got a chance to cast their ballot for a party as part of the federal program Student Vote, a non-profit, non-partisan organization that aims to build the commitment of students to participate in democracy.
Student Vote is operated by a division of Elections Canada, and the results of the student vote will be officially counted and revealed to students following the federal election, explained Janice Ainsworth, a grade 6 teacher and co-ordinator of the vote at the school.
"(Student Vote) is a cross-Canada initiative with more than 700,000 students participating across the country," she said. "It's also part of the social curriculum and we've gotten a very positive reaction from students."
She adds the concept behind Student Vote is to provide a tool for students to learn about how elections and government works, and to bring a general awareness to voting.
"The students learn about who represents the area on municipal and federal levels, learn about different ridings, and then begin talking to their parents and have good discussions," Ainsworth noted.
Grade 6 student Ashley Vernette, who represents the NDP party, said the entire process was "very exciting and shows why you should vote and search out the person who represents you."
Each grade 6 student was assigned a particular party, and spent time researching their platforms, making posters and doing presentations to other students and even baked brownies, explained fellow students Cassidy Grimes who represented the Liberal Party and Heidi Colbers, who represented the Conservative Party.
"It was a little competitive ... but all in good fun," added Vernette.
All three students agreed "there's not doubt we'll vote for real," as soon as they reach legal age.
For more information, visit www.studentvote.ca.
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