Civic Election! October 15, 2007

2007 Civic Election

Basic Information:

· In order to vote, you must be 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, residing in Alberta for at least 6 months and bring ID (driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, etc.)

· Voters will vote for Mayor, Aldermen, School Trustees (public and separate school systems)

o The mayor controls the council’s agenda, and represents the city in higher levels of government

o Aldermen serve on various committees, listen to the grievances of people in their ward and debate city bylaws

o School Trustees: link between the public and the school system, they set policy, allocate resources, etc.

· Before voting you must sign an “Elector’s Statement” declaring that you are eligible to vote and you have not voted before in this election. Signing a false statement could result in prison time for up to six months and a fine of up to $ 10,000

· To be a candidate for Mayor you need to be eligible to vote, 100 signatures and $500

· Calgary’s City Council consists of 14 aldermen elected by residents of their wards and the Mayor who is elected “at large”

What to consider when choosing a candidate:

· Does this person address issues I am concerned about?

· Does this person have any realistic answers?

· Can I see this person following through on their promises? Do they seem trustworthy and professional?

· Does this person seem open to input from Calgarians?

· Do they have any relevant experience?

· Is the incumbent doing a good job?

· Do I like the city I live in? Do I like how Calgary is being run?

· ....

Question: Why might a voter “spoil” their ballot?

Candidates:

David Bertram

www.BertramforMayor.com

Dave Bronconnier

www.joindave.com

Elizabeth Fielding

members.shaw.ca/elizabethfielding4mayor

Al Foster

www.alfoster.com

Harry Heck

www.harryformayor.ca

Sandy Jenkins

www.electsandyjenkins.com

Alnoor Kassam

www.GoAlnoor.com

JJ Sunstrum

www.abettercalgary.com

Jeremy Zhao

www.jeremyzhao.com

Assignment:

1) Look over list of candidates. Pick two candidates you would like to know more about.

My two candidates are: ___________________________&______________________________

2) Fill in the table below using the internet as a resource. Decide which candidate you would vote for it you were of legal voting age.

3) Vote!

4) Make a guess as to who will be the next mayor of Calgary

2) Information about my top two candidates for Mayor of Calgary: (strive for three bullets in each box)

Name:	Name:
About this candidate:	About this candidate:
Notes about this candidate’s platform:	Notes about this candidate’s platform:
What I like about this candidate and his/her platform:	What I like about this candidate and his/her platform:
What I don’t like about this candidate and his/her platform:	What I don’t like about this candidate and his/her platform:

3) VOTE: Please mark “X” in the box next to the Mayoral candidate you wish to vote for.

David Bertram Dave Bronconnier Elizabeth Fielding

Al Foster Harry Heck Sandy Jenkins

Alnoor Kassam JJ Sunstrum Jeremy Zhao

4) My guess as to who will be the next mayor of Calgary: _____________________________________