Alberta students elect PC majority in parallel election
Alberta elementary and high school students have elected a PC majority in their own parallel election coinciding with the provincial race.
The student election, organized by national non-profit organization Student Vote, is aimed at educating young people about the political process by letting them participate in a real-time way.
At their schools, students learned about each of the party’s platforms, hosted candidates’ forums, and then had the opportunity to “cast a ballot” for one of the candidates actually running in the riding in which they live.
As of 1 p.m. Monday, 86,855 votes were reported from 695 schools, representing 86 out of 87 electoral divisions across the province. In preliminary results, students elected a PC majority government and a Wildrose opposition.
The PCS 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 six 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 five 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.
Speaking early Monday evening, Student Vote CEO Taylor Gunn said that historically, the results of the parallel election have tended to be a reflection of the general election results. That makes the Albert a student results interesting, as polls indicated a Wildrose lead heading into Monday’s real-life vote.
“This is our 19th student election right now, and in the previous 15 of 18 times, the kids accurately predicted the winner,” Gunn said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen tonight, but it (our result) sure goes against what the polls have been saying.”
This is the second time Alberta students have partici- pated in Student Vote during a provincial campaign, though Student Votes have been held four times in this province to correspond with federal elections.
Gunn said the whole exercise is aimed at ultimately increasing voter turnout among young people.
“It’s to build a habit of participation among students, and if anything, have them interested and engaged by the time they reach voting age,” Gunn said.
“We hope that by the time they’re 18, voting and participating as a citizen is normal for them.”
Complete results of Student Vote 2012 can be found at www.student vote.ca/ab2012/results.