As Ontario voters prepare to cast their ballots in the 2025 provincial election, thousands of students across the province are also taking part in the democratic process through Student Vote Ontario, a parallel election program designed to engage youth in civic participation before they reach voting age.
Organized by CIVIX in partnership with Elections Ontario, Student Vote Ontario provides elementary and secondary students with the opportunity to experience an authentic voting process. More than 2,300 schools across all 124 electoral districts have signed up to participate, and as many as 250,000 students are expected to cast ballots for official candidates in their ridings.
Lindsay Mazzucco, Chief Executive Officer of CIVIX, highlighted the importance of youth engagement in democracy.
"At a time when democracy faces challenges around the world, teaching students about the value of elections and active citizenship has never been more important. By giving young people the opportunity to learn about elections in a real-world context, we are helping to build a generation that understands the power of their vote and their role in democracy" she said.
Through the Student Vote program, students research party platforms, discuss key election issues, and participate in a simulated voting process complete with ballots, voting screens, and ballot boxes. After the official provincial election polls close, the Student Vote results will be tabulated and publicly released, including a province-wide seat breakdown, results by electoral district, and individual school tallies.
Elections Ontario is also using this opportunity to encourage 16- and 17-year-olds to register for the Ontario Register of Future Voters, which ensures they are automatically added to the voters list when they turn 18.
"We know that habits of democratic participation start early," said Greg Essensa, Ontario's Chief Electoral Officer. "By engaging young people in programs like Student Vote and the Ontario Register of Future Voters, we are building the foundation for a more informed and active electorate."
The Student Vote initiative has had a strong impact in previous elections. In 2022, more than 252,000 students participated, casting ballots that reflected different outcomes compared to the official election results. The Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) emerged as the dominant party among student voters, securing 28.6% of the popular vote and winning 75 seats, forming a majority government in the Student Vote. The Ontario Liberal Party followed with 28 seats and 22% of the vote, while the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party won 17 seats with 18.7% of the vote. The Green Party secured 4 seats with 16% of ballots cast.
At the local level, student voters in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound elected PC candidate Rick Byers, while those in Huron-Bruce selected Lisa Thompson, also of the PC Party. In Perth-Wellington, the students opted for Jo-Dee Burbach of the NDP.
For more information, visit studentvote.ca.