How Do I Teach My Child About the Canadian Election Process?

By Julie Diamond, OCT

With the federal elections on Monday, many parents are wondering how they can use this opportunity to educate their children about democracy, civic responsibility, and the value of voting. While elections may seem like an adult topic, they offer rich learning moments for kids of all ages.

Whether your child is in elementary school or nearing voting age, introducing them to the basics of elections can help them become informed, active citizens. Here's how you can make politics approachable and even fun for all ages!

1. Start with the Basics: What Is an Election?

Begin by explaining what an election is. You might say, "An election is when people in a country vote to choose their political leaders. It's how we decide who will make important decisions for our communities and our country."

Use real-world analogies that children can relate to, like choosing a team captain at school or deciding as a family what movie to watch. The idea is to help them understand that voting is a way to make choices that affect everyone.

For younger children, keep the explanation simple and visual. Picture books and short animated videos can provide helpful context and spark curiosity. Older children might be ready for deeper discussions about representation, political parties, and how laws are made.

2. Explore the Levels of Government

Canada has three levels of government: federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal. Each is responsible for different services, and elections are held at each level.

Break down what each level does using examples that resonate with kids:

• Federal: Defense, immigration, national parks, currency.

• Provincial/Territorial: Education, healthcare, driver’s licenses.

• Municipal: Libraries, garbage collection, public transit.

You could create a chart or game to sort responsibilities into categories. Help your child connect the dots between what they experience every day (like riding the bus or going to school) and the leaders who make those services possible.

3. Bring It to Life with a Mock Election

One of the best ways for children to learn about elections is by experiencing them firsthand. Hosting a mock election at home is an engaging way to introduce voting.

Choose a topic they care about: "Should we have pancakes or waffles for breakfast?" Then, have each family member vote by secret ballot. Create campaign posters or have siblings give short speeches to practice persuasive communication.

You could also assign roles like poll clerk, voter, and candidate to simulate a real election day experience. For older kids, use a ballot box and voter registration cards to model the actual process.

This not only teaches the mechanics of voting but also promotes decision-making, fairness, and respectful debate.

4. Talk About Real-World Issues

Elections are about more than candidates - they’re about the issues that matter to voters. Start a conversation about the things your child cares about: the environment, housing, education, or technology.

Ask open-ended questions like:

• "What would you do if you were in charge of your school or city?"

• "What rules would you make to help the planet or your friends?"

Encouraging children to think critically and empathetically helps them understand why elections matter. You don’t need to go deep into political ideologies; instead, focus on how leaders make decisions that affect people’s lives.

For teens, encourage them to follow the news (CNN10 is a great option that summarizes top news stories of the week in 10 minutes), research party platforms, and identify which values align with their own.

5. Use Trusted Resources

There are excellent tools available to help teach kids about Canadian democracy:

• Elections Canada offers a variety of age-appropriate learning resources, including Civic Education Resources.

• Parliament of Canada’s website includes videos, quizzes, and virtual tours.

• TVOKids and CBC Kids often publish election explainers and videos for younger learners.

6. Be a Role Model

Perhaps the most powerful way to teach your child about elections is by modeling civic engagement yourself. If you're eligible, bring them with you when you vote or talk them through the process at home.

Let them see you reading about the issues, researching candidates, and discussing your decisions thoughtfully. Share why voting matters to you and why every voice counts.

Even small actions - like writing to a local representative or attending a community event - can show your child what active citizenship looks like.

7. Keep the Conversation Going

Democracy isn’t just something we talk about every four years - it’s a daily practice of engaging in our communities and learning about our world.

Encourage your child to:

• Join student councils or leadership groups.

• Write letters to elected officials.

• Discuss current events with peers and family.

And above all, let them know that their thoughts, values, and voices matter. They are the future voters, leaders, and changemakers of Canada.

By teaching your child about elections now, you’re planting seeds for lifelong civic participation. Elections provide an ideal opportunity to teach not just how democracy works, but why it matters.

So whether it’s through a kitchen table conversation or a creative family vote, you’re helping shape a generation that understands the power of participation and the importance of standing up and being counted.

Let’s raise informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens one conversation at a time.