CBC Archives

Have the class discuss federal elections and the place of voting in Canada. Guide them to reflect on the importance of electoral participation in a federal election. List their ideas on the board as a basis for further discussion.

Divide students into two groups and direct them to the following clips from the topic Voting in Canada: How a Privilege Became a Right on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site.

Group 1: Clips 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5;
Group 2: Clips 6, 7, 8, 11 and the additional clip “Prisoners Vote, 2004”

After viewing and listening to the clips, students work in pairs to create a list of reasons why electoral participation is important. They can make a chart to organize their ideas, listing the clip name and number and the reasons they find in that clip. With their partner, students will answer the question: In your opinion, what is the most important reason to vote? Remind students to acknowledge and respect one another’s points of view.

Have the groups share their charts and create a class list of all the reasons why electoral participation is important. Students may contribute ideas beyond those discussed in the various clips. To further explore the topic, pose questions such as the following:

Why have so many groups fought for the right to vote?

What are the benefits of being able to vote?

Why has it been so important for these groups to gain the right to vote?

Encourage students to consider how they appreciate opportunities to voice their opinions and have their voices heard.

Students can write an editorial sharing their opinion on the importance of the right to vote.