Election laws regulate the democratic process in accordance with constitutional requirements. Legislators enact the laws governing how they are elected. Courts are called on to adjudicate matters that were once solely considered political. Today, the adequacy of election laws to protect the democratic rights of citizens from interference is being called into question. How and why election laws need to be reformed is an enduring question. Focussing on the
Canadian context, with reference to the U.S. and other countries, this course will survey these issues by looking at the constitutional and legal aspects governing: how elections are called and administered; how the electoral map is designed; who has the right to vote; how campaign finances are regulated; how voting results are decided and challenged; and, how election law offences are enforced and prosecuted.
Method of Evaluation: Course participation: 10%, small group presentation on approved case, article or topic: 20%, UYRWR paper on approved topic (7000-7250 words): 70%