Elections Notes

The Franchise

gradually increases

reflects evolving democratic norms

men, property, over 21, british subject

literacy tests during rise in immigration

gender, fear that the birth rate would decline, degrade women, role in WW1

Charter now guarantees, mentally disabled and prisoner challenges

Campaigns

two fronts national and local

parties expend resources on marginal districts not safe or unwinnable

not as many vote if outcome seems determined

potential supporter votes have more weight that determined

target specific voter

focus on party leaders, against westminster system not one among equals

Voters List

used to be door to door enumeration at start of election campaign

1997 moved to getting info from government databases, reduce time needed to prepare for election, harder to get young voters

Districts

no province can have fewer seats than senators or that they had in 1985

determined by population, 25% difference allows

accounts for communities of interests, natural geographical boundaries

decided by elections canada, reduce gerrymandering

Elections