Should electoral management bodies encourage voting? The case for a civic education role

In 2014, the Canadian Conservative government caused much concern and debate amongst academics, the media and public over proposed changes to the Elections Act, which would restrict communications from the Chief Electoral Officer. The debate over Bill C-23 provides the opportunity to explore the role of electoral management bodies in civic education. This article argues that based on policy precedent at the provincial level and general institutional support across Canada that there is a case to be made for a civic education role for EMBs, going beyond the responsibility of simply providing answers on ‘How to Vote’ but also suggesting answers to the question of ‘Why Vote’.