​​​​BRAMPTON, ON – They may not be old enough to vote yet, but they still got the chance to experience the significance of voting in municipal elections. More than 150 students from St. Joachim Elementary School and Our Lady of Providence Elementary School participated in a mock election at school this month. This was an opportunity for students to gain a deeper insight into the importance of elections and the voting process while the City put its updated voting equipment to the test.

Residents are closely connected to municipal government through the many services they use every day, for example: parks, transit, recreation, roads, and fire services. Voting is an important way to make your mark in your community.

“The students of today are the voters of tomorrow. Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility, and an important way to shape your city. That’s something to remember whether you are a student, a first-time voter or a new citizen, or someone who votes in every election,” said
Peter Fay, City Clerk and Returning Officer.

Highlights of the mock election
• The enthusiastic students, who were between the ages of 9 and 11, learned about the voting process, what a ballot looks like and how to mark a ballot.
• For the mock election, the ballot included generic questions about Brampton, including how many wards are in the city; when Voting Day takes place; and how many languages are spoken in Brampton. 
• Both schools had recently attended tours of Brampton City Hall as part of the Grade 5 curriculum about local government. While additional mock elections will not be taking place, City Hall tours are available to school students, and teachers can book them by using the online form on the City website. 
• Schools represent approximately 75 per cent of the voting locations planned for the
October 22 Municipal Election and are an important partner for the City.

5 Must Knows for Voters are available on the City website, as well as additional information. Visit www.brampton.ca/bramptonvotes. 

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