After spending the last few weeks learning about the democratic process, researching the party platforms, hosting candidate forums and debating the future of Alberta, elementary and high school students across the province cast their ballots in a mock election.
Every federal and provincial election the non-partisan organization ‘Student Vote’ offers school teachers all the tools they need to hold a mock vote.
The intention behind this classroom exercise is to start a revolution battling voter apathy, encouraging youth to get out and vote when they turn 18.
And while they may have been born into a Progressive Conservative majority, it’s a pivotal time in this province and that’s got these students more motivated than ever to make a choice that matters.
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As of 1 p.m. on Monday, 85,000 students across the province had taken part in the vote.
Historically, their decisions don’t differ much from the adults.
The PC won 53 seats, forming a majority government, and captured 34 per cent of the popular vote. Leader Alison Redford won her seat in Calgary-Elbow with 54 per cent of the vote.
The Wildrose won 22 seats and took 29 per cent of the popular vote, earning them Official Opposition status. Leader Danielle Smith was unable to win her own seat in Highwood.
The Liberals won 6 seats and 18 per cent of the popular vote. Leader Raj Sherman won his seat in Edmonton-Meadowlark with 45 per cent of the vote.
The NDP won 5 seats and captured 14 per cent of the popular vote. Leader Brian Mason won his seat in Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood with 45 per cent of the vote.
Student Vote results have predicted the governing party 15 out of 18 elections, including last year’s federal election. The seat totals, and opposition parties, have typically differed, sometimes dramatically, from the official results.
More than 25 schools participated in the Senate Nominee election. The three candidates with the most number of votes were: Doug Black of the PC Party, Raymond Germain of the Wildrose Party and independent candidate Paul Frank.
VIEW COMPLETE RESULTS HERE: www.studentvote.ca/ab2012/results
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