Which of the following groups was primarily excluded from voting under the Wartime Elections Act?

• A. Canadians under 18
• B. Conscientious objectors
• C. Women
• D. Prisoners

Answer: (B)

The Wartime Elections Act, enacted in 1917 during World War I, expanded voting rights for certain groups but also specifically excluded others. Conscientious objectors, who refused military service due to moral or religious beliefs, were indeed among those largely disenfranchised by this Act. This was part of broader wartime measures that aimed to bolster military support and the war effort, often at the expense of civil liberties for those opposed to the war.

While it's true that Canadians under 18, women, and prisoners faced restrictions related to voting, the Wartime Elections Act's key exclusion targeted conscientious objectors. This reflected the government's emphasis on loyalty and support for the war, often leading to harsh treatment of those who did not align with the prevailing sentiment of the time. Understanding the context behind these exclusions helps to illustrate the political and social dynamics of Canada during World War I.