Using Allison Fuisz’s, teacher at Bell High School, experience

Making Civic Engagement and Duty Understood In Classrooms

Why Teach to Students?

“If we cannot foster an environment where kids cannot feel comfortable enough to speak up for what they believe in and to be informed on what they believe in, how do we expect them to vote when they’re 18?”
-Allison Fuisz, CBC News, 2014

Voting is essential to a functioning democracy, but turnout is declining in Canada. Many, especially young people, low-income communities, and marginalized groups, feel excluded, frustrated, or doubtful that their vote matters (Statistics Canada).

Low voter turnout undermines the legitimacy of democracy, and can
shows a growing disconnect between citizens and their government (UN).
It can lead to policies that don’t reflect the needs of all citizens, especially marginalized groups. Therefore, policies can often over-represent groups who vote (University of Lausanne).

By better understanding the voting process, feeling more engaged, and learning about different parties, students can feel more inclined to vote when they turn 18.

How can you incorporate voting into your school?

“Running the mock elections has helped many students understand/respect/be less afraid of what it means to vote, how to vote, the process and more. It has been influential in many voting when they become of age or encouraging others to do as such if they were not already. On top of that, it helps students to be aware of what is happening at the various levels of government and why it should matter.”

-Allison Fuisz, 2025

CIVIX Student Vote

CIVIX Student Vote is a national program that brings the excitement and importance of elections directly into Canadian classrooms. By giving students the chance to experience the voting process firsthand, Student Vote helps young people understand how democracy works and why their voices matter.

Through real ballots and mock elections held alongside official ones, students learn to think critically about issues, parties, and candidates. This is directly preparing them to become informed, engaged citizens long before they reach voting age.

01.

— Engagement with the Voting Process

Engaging with the voting process means more than just casting a ballot. It is about understanding how elections work, why they matter, and how each vote shapes the future.

02.

— Organization of the vote

Volunteering and working at a polling station is a great way to earn money as students. By organizing Student Vote, students can feel more engaged in this entire process.

03.

— Understanding the voting process

We encourage all teachers to use ressources below to teach students more about certain issues and how each level of government influences that specific issue.

How can you integrate civic engagement/civic duty into classes?

Unfortunately, the Ontario’s education system only makes civics a half-credit secondary class, limiting student’s learning of their civil duty to only a semester. Many young people feel disconnected from politics or doubt that their voices matter. By learning about civic engagement in school, students gain the knowledge and skills to participate meaningfully in society. This helps them see that their actions can make a real difference to their community, and country.

Civic engagement education encourages students to think critically about issues, evaluate information, and understand different perspectives. It also fosters a sense of responsibility toward their communities, motivating them to get involved and work for positive change. Teaching civic engagement is not just about learning how government works, but it’s also about empowering students to become active, informed citizens who can shape the future of their communities and country.

“This is where I truly believe that civic engagement/civic duty needs to be bigger than half a course and integrated more throughout some secondary and even elementary classes.”

-Allison Fuisz, 2025

Geography

Depending on where you live, it may significantly influence how votes are counted or represented.

History

When we study history, we learn about the struggles, achievements, and mistakes of those who came before us. This knowledge is essential for civic engagement.

Mathematics

Students can collect and analyze voting data from class polls or election results. Teaching statistics to students while incorporating voting can help students understand the process.

Exploring politics in all classes

Free Ressources for Teachers