"What Participating in the Mock Election Meant to Me"
Isaac
2nd Grade
Living Word Christian School
Greenville, PA
The mock election was really interesting and fun. It was frustrating because it was hard to choose which President I should vote for. But it was fun and cool.
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Taylor
3rd Grade
New Hope Elementary
Locust Grove, Georgia 30248
Voting is not a right that everyone in the world has. The mock election represents our rights, as Americans, to choose the President that will serve us best. For me, the mock election taught me many things. This election taught me about the president, vice president, and their unique jobs. I also had to do research so I could make the best choice. Because voting was new to me, I had to find information on the candidates. I got the information from the internet and my parents. I got a lot of information from them so when I grow up I can vote and make the best choice.
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Taiken
4th Grade
Longfellow Elementary
Baker, MT 59313
About a month ago my school had the privilege of participating in the Baker mock election. It was a huge privilege. McCain and Obama were the top two candidates.
First, my class went to the gym. We had to say our first and last name. Then we got our ballot, and sat in chairs, scattered around the gym. Sometimes it was hard to choose, because I thought I would make the wrong decision. Then I remembered no choice was wrong, and that nobody could tell me otherwise. When I was making my choices I felt like I was a big part of a big world.
I handed in my ballot, and started to walk back to my classroom. As I walked back to my classroom, I wondered if I really did make the right decision. But I made the choice I thought was right.
I felt so lucky to participate in a mock election. It was a huge honor.
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Zoe
5th Grade
Beecher Hills Elementary School
Calling all voters! Calling all voters! Did you take a stand and participate in the Mock Election? Well I did. I researched the two main presidential candidates for 2008. You know who they are, Barack Obama and John McCain. I also voted for the candidate who was extraordinary for the job. My teacher was in charge of the Mock Election. She chose me and other fellow students to talk about the Mock Election. It was a very serious job, but we managed to get through it. I was astonished by all of the work that we completed. Some of the facts we wrote about the candidates were so professional.
After we finished our conversation about the candidates, we voted. Even though we are not eighteen and older our voices were heard and our votes counted. Everyone in the school voted. People from PBS 30 came to our school. They looked around our school to see what was displayed about the candidates. They were so impressed that they created a video and aired it on television. It showed our students interacting in the Mock Election. The Mock Election showed that even kids could get involved governmental decisions. Our voices were heard as if we were adults.
This Mock Election gave us a chance to learn how to make good decisions in the future. This election made me feel like a responsible adult. The decisions I made for this election weren’t easy. This made me realize what adults have to do when making very difficult decisions. Picking those candidates wasn’t easy at all. They both had great ideas on the issues. Sometimes I think that’s how adults feel. That’s why I felt like an adult for a day. I learned so much about politics during the Mock Election.
In social studies Ms. Bennett taught us how the government runs. The activities she gave us were not only educational but also amusing. It taught us everything we needed to know about the government. It was awesome participating in the Mock Election!
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Taylor
6th Grade
Ann Street School
Newark, NJ 07105
What participating in the mock election meant to me was that people really wanted to know what we, students, think. They actually wanted to see how the debates and all the other different things made us decide. I was really happy with voting and I liked the fact that who I voted for as well as who my school voted for won. I also enjoyed that we learned so much about politics, how the country elects the president and all the different roles of a president. I was very interested and learned a lot. Then when I got home and my mom talked about things related to the election, I understood what she was talking about.
It made me feel very smart and a part of it. Before I didn’t understand how they elected the president and who made the final decision, but because of the mock election I understand. The mock election also made me feel that we got to experience what some of our parents do the day of the election. We didn’t do the exact same thing but something similar and it meant the same thing. It is important that we do this so we know what to do when we vote as adults.
I think this was a great idea for us to do a mock election because it’s good that we learn about politics. Learning about candidates that were running was also important. We became a part of it too. I really enjoyed this and want to learn more about the process.
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Julia
6th Grade
Sherwood Middle School
Shrewsbury, MA
Rows of humming computers were set up on the long tables of the school cafeteria. My heart raced and pounded quickly as I sat down. I was ready to vote in Sherwood Middle School’s Mock Election! And when I answered the last ballot question, I knew it was something I would never forget.
It all started with an idea that I had. The presidential election was especially interesting to me. I had been watching the candidates on the campaign trail for a long time. For the first time in my and my country’s life, an African American won his party’s nomination for President of the United States of America. Women also participated in the history of the election. One was a candidate also running for President of the United States. The other was a candidate running for Vice President. I really wanted a chance to vote for one of these leaders and help make a difference in my nation’s history.
But I was not eligible to because I am not old enough. Then, the idea came to me. If I was so interested in the election, then the other students in my school, who are the same age as me, probably are too. So I realized that if my school community held a Mock Election, everybody would have a chance to participate and vote.
I decided it was time to do something about having a Mock Election in our school community. The next day, I asked my principal if the school could have a Mock Election. My principal agreed that it was a good idea, and she told me that they were thinking of having one. She asked me if I wanted to help organize it. I was excited at the chance to do that and I was sent to talk to our school’s Social Studies Coordinator about it.
Over the next weekend, my friend Kelli and I made posters to inform students that the school was having a Mock Election. They were hung up all around the school. I found out that people were reading the posters and many students were interested in the election. I had the feeling we were going to have a great turn out! Kelli also helped me prepare the computers for the Mock Election. Once the votes were counted, I was able to announce some of the results to the school during morning announcements. I appreciated the chance to do all of this, and to see my idea being carried through from beginning to end.
The “finished” button glowed on the computer screen and I clicked it excitedly still hearing the computer humming after rechecking my ballot choices for the Mock Election. When I rejoined my classmates, I had several warm feelings inside of me. I felt like I had made a difference, like I was involved, and after doing it, it made me feel inspired to want to do more. And it is an experience I will never forget.
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Victoria
7th Grade
Ann Street School
Newark, NJ
This presidential election of 2008 has been the most influential on me more than all the other ones. For example, during the first three months of school this school year I have learned more about the elections than I have ever in my life. I learned all about Barack Obama and Senator John McCain and what they plan to do for our beautiful country which needs lots of help with the economy! I think the best experience I had was participating in the mock election with other schools because it almost seemed like I was participating in a real election and I was voting with other states (different schools) across America.
The mock election meant a lot to me. One of the things it meant was that I was actually an important American citizen, not just some ordinary kid who goes to school every day. Did you know that the popular vote is important information that the Electoral College needs to decide which candidate would make the better president? It made me feel that someone actually cares about my point of view. And you know what? They’re right because we are going to vote someday, too!
The mock election also made me feel like I was supposed to do something extra, which I later realized was civic responsibility. This responsibility gave me the power of right judgment. People need to be informed so that they know who to vote for and not just pick any random candidate. This mock election made me realize that there is a lot of pressure and competition out there and it is also really difficult to keep up with what is going on. For example, we should know what the candidates plan on doing in specific matters such as the economy, health care, taxes, immigration, the environment, fighting terrorism, Iraq, education and more.
Overall, what I believe the mock election meant to me was that it was a wonderful experience. It gives me the duty to do something for my country. When I cast my vote, I remembered the Declaration of Independence and how it gave us the freedom of speech. In this country, America gives us the opportunity to vote and choose what we want. This is something really special because most countries don’t have this kind of freedom. America is really the land of opportunity and freedom when we, the people, get to vote. If any kid gets the chance to participate in a mock election, they should really take that chance because when I participated in mock elections I truly felt like an American citizen!
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Lucas
7th Grade
Santa Fe School for the Arts and Sciences
Santa Fe, NM
This year, I was lucky enough to witness the historic election of our first black American President.
During the final heated weeks of the election, my school held a mock election during which we studied and learned many different things so we could accurately vote with our own agendas.
After weeks of studying, the day came in which we sat down and voted, knowing that almost every year this mock election has predicted the next president, nervously voted for the candidate who we thought we should have as our next president.
Even if I was completely afraid that I would make the wrong decision and vote for the person who was not right fort America, I’m confident that I voted responsibly.
As I clicked the mouse and decided, not only did I feel nervous, but I felt empowered, like I was making a real difference in America. And I was, even if the vote didn’t count in the actual election, it still may have convinced someone to vote or changed someone’s ideas.
Most people, myself included, feel disappointed and let down when they don’t have a say in a decision, or they think they don’t have a voice, so when I was able to participate in this, I felt so heard, like my voice no matter how small could be carried on the wind all through the world.
I think that by doing this, The Mock Election gave the youth of America a voice and helped them feel like they are a part of this community, and I think that will help the youth decide to vote when it’s their time to shine and make the impending decision of our future.
Not only do I feel empowered in politics, but this entire experience has made feel like I should take part in my society, try my best, and take charge in my life to make decisions.
It’s my life, and I have a powerful voice that can change the world of me, and all those who surround me.
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Thais
7th Grade
Ann Street School
Newark, NJ
This year I was able to participate in the student/parent mock election and it was an educational and fun experience for me. It was a great opportunity not only for me as a student, but for all the other students as well. We got a chance to have an idea of how it feels when it comes time for adults to vote and what they have to do in order to know, not only for who they are voting, but why.
In was educational because we got to learn about the history of voting in the United Sates, what the terms Electoral College, civic responsibility, checks and balances mean, and what each candidate felt about the issues such as taxes, immigration, health care, education, and the big one, the war in Iraq. One thing I was interested in learning was why Election Day is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of the month of November. I was interested in learning this because it was a big question for me. The terms were a big deal for me because now that I understood them, I could now understand what people meant when they said them, not like before. All of this was important for me because I finally could understand the elections. Also, it made me think more about who I would be voting for and why when it came time for the Student Mock Election.
It was also a fun experience because the way we learned about the elections wasn’t by reading an old boring text book, but by doing it orally and we were able to express our views on the candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain. I would have to say this was the most fun I had with a lesson.
It was also great to participate in this activity because my parents and I were able to exchange perspectives on the election and the candidates. I was also able to tell my parents about the new facts that I learned about the election, the turn outs, and the candidates. I would love to do this again in four years.
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Morgan
8th Grade
El Paso Jewish Academy
El Paso, TX
Democracy cannot work without the involvement of its citizens. I learned that after participating in my school’s mock election. I learned how important it is to vote for the candidate that best represents your beliefs and how to determine which candidate you really want to run your country.
We live in a democratic country. That means that we, as citizens of this country, are free to help make decisions for this country. By voting for our senators, our congressmen, our representatives and even for our president that is exactly what we are doing. Each candidate stands for certain ideals, and by voting for that person you are actually voting for those ideals and beliefs. If people don’t participate by voting though, changes would never get made, and our country would stay exactly how it is. Even during prosperous times, our country only works when citizens are involved. People cannot become complacent or they will lose the rights our forefathers worked so hard to gain. Citizens must vote for the sake of our country, for the sake of having their voices heard, and because voting is one of our many privileges.
The other thing I learned from my mock election experience was how to pick what president you want to vote for. Oftentimes, kids will say that they would vote for whomever their parents are voting for, and list the same reasons that their parents told them. By researching the candidates we are actually learning to make up our own minds. And if we start this as kids, then as adults we will be able to make informed choices when going to the polls. What I learned is what I think every child needs to know. They need to know how to pick a candidate based on what the actual person says and does, not based on anyone else’s opinion. To do this you must do lots of research, on both sides, and know the good and the bad about each candidate. Only then is it possible to truly make up your mind.
Voting, and learning how to make informed choices are two very important lessons that I learned during my mock election participation that will help me later on in life. Both of these things are essential to the success of our country, and its future progress for the better, not the worse.
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Kiana
8th Grade
Santa Fe, NM
I have always wanted a chance to cast my ballot and make a difference in the outcome of the election. Ever since the first presidential election that I can remember, I have desired to vote. When I was younger I didn’t actually take it seriously and only wanted to be like my parents. But as I get older and more involved in politics, I really want to be able to support my country and vote for the candidate that I believe will help our world.
When I voted in the Mock Election, I finally felt that I was making a difference in a decision that would have a major effect on the country for the next four years. I know that the Mock Election has a large influence on the actual election and I think that it is great for children to know that their vote counts too. After the election, it was great knowing that I helped to elect our country’s president. I will look back on this election as the first time I voted for president.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience to finally vote. I enjoyed being able to say “I voted too!” I must still wait eight more years before I can legally vote in the elections, but until then I hope I can always participate in the Mock election.
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Brian
11th Grade
James Ford Rhodes High School
Cleveland, OH
I have always tried to avoid politics as much as possible. From my point of view, politicians were just a necessary evil that had nothing to do with me, and because of that mindset, my view of the government started to become increasingly cynical. Why should I care about something that does not pertain to me? Being a part of the mock election helped give me a better perspective on the matter, and showed me that, through a thought out vote, I could affect the government in a positive way.
The first thing that came to my attention when I started to vote was how little I actually knew about the candidates and what issues they advocated. What I did know was heavily influenced by the media instead of researched evidence. The fact that I only knew second hand information from questionable sources bothered me and opened my eyes; in order to make the best vote possible I needed to be well informed. I mean, I did not even know which district I should vote in let alone which candidate was most qualified to fill a position in Congress.
The responsibility presented by voting was more then I had expected; I had always thought about it flippantly, but voting is no joking matter. As a democracy, voting is one of the few ways that we can make sure that the government is run to benefit the common people. That was what I was missing. Voting is a way we can work as a whole for the benefit of all; where as before I was just thinking of my own doubts and misgivings about the government.
Besides changing my attitude toward voting, participating in the mock election has prepared me for the real deal. I would have never known all the thought and preparation that goes into voting if I had not had this experience. Now I will know to have all my decisions finalized before I ever look at a ballot. There is nothing worse then looking at that ballot and having no idea who to vote for.
Overall, the mock election has taught me a lot. I got to feel the weight of responsibility that voting brings before I had the chance to vote, and because of that feel a lot more confident about the next election, when it is my turn. I also realized that voting is more of a civic duty then a nice option. I have to vote in the best, most educated way I can to help improve our country.
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Meha
12th grade
Spain Park High School
Hoover, AL
Throughout elementary and middle school, I always remembered participating in the mock election at school. Voting in the previous mock elections never meant much to me because I believed that my vote did not count. But more importantly, I would vote for a person strictly on personality or popularity, and not actually focus on voting on the person that supported my views. However, this time when I voted in the 2008 mock election, I was thrilled and proud to participate.
This year, I was enrolled in AP Government, and by taking this class, I became informed about how the Electoral College works and what issues and views are supported by each party. By developing my own political ideology, I was excited to be able to vote in the mock election, knowing that I was voting as an informed citizen. By being able to vote in the mock election, I developed a stronger political efficacy. I felt people actually cared about my political beliefs; because my school took the time to coordinate and participate in the mock election, I felt that adults do really care about my peers and my opinion. By participating in the mock election, I was able to at voice my opinions and actually take part in the most visible form of political participation. By voting in the mock election, I felt I was fulfilling my civic duty and utilizing my rights. Voting made me realize the importance of being a citizen of a country that has a government that truly does represent the people. Many other countries do not have the opportunity to elect leaders to represent them, and by living in the United States, I feel that many young eligible voters do not take advantage of having the right to vote. The mock election gave young voters a chance to participate in the political process, and the election made me realize that being an informed and politically active citizen is a privilege that I am fortunate to have and voting is a right that should not be taken for granted. The mock election made me feel fortunate to live in a country where young and old are allowed to express their opinions. By voting in the 2008 mock election, I did not just vote for a person; I voted for my beliefs.
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Rachael
12th Grade
James Ford Rhodes High School
Cleveland, Ohio
As a student, I had had the chance to participate in the 2008 mock election. This election gave me the opportunity to experience firsthand how voting works. The mock election also gave me the feeling of responsibility and freedom. In order to vote, I would advise that you study the candidates before choosing. Voting is not just picking someone because of their skin color or if they are a Democrat or Republican; voting should be based on knowledge of what the candidate has to offer you.
This was my first time ever voting in the mock election. During this time of voting, my fellow classmates were voting also. It might have not been a big deal to others, but in reality it was an educational experience. As I get older, I learn and comprehend more about important things. I believe that getting involved in politics and government is a central thing. Everyday life is based on the economy and people’s health. The government is the key to all of these things. The government manages gas prices, health insurance, our U.S. soldiers, taxes, and many other aspects of life.
In my opinion, all students should vote in the mock election. Voting in the mock election does not count, but it prepares students for many things. It can prepare students to get ready to vote. It can persuade them to vote. It also can open their eyes to the issues coming about in our economy.
Voting in the mock election was an epiphany for me. Before the mock election, I thought voting was an easy task in which you choose people you wanted to win. However, I found that this was not true. A lot of the representatives listed were not familiar to me. I just chose somebody and anybody. After voting, I realized that picking people who I did not know anything about could turn out to stab me in the back. I now know that I should be informed before I actually vote for a person or an issue.
Shortly after taking the mock election, I voted in the real Presidential Election of 2008. It was my first time voting because I had just turned eighteen in the summer. In voting in the real election, I felt very important and privileged. I also felt proud to be voting for my country. The mock election gave me an idea of what voting would be like. It gave me an involvement in the real election. It also gave me a push to study for whom to vote for in the real election. In conclusion, we need more involvement in our country and I feel the best way this can happen is for students to vote in the mock election.
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