Lexington, Ky. — A local high school is offering students a hands-on experience in democracy through a mock presidential election. Tates Creek High School requires students to present a valid form of identification, specifically their student ID, at a temporary polling station set up in the school’s media center.
The mock election features former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris as candidates. This initiative, led by Jennifer Eldridge, the school’s library and media specialist, aims to educate students on the voting process and the importance of making informed decisions. Eldridge emphasized that this is the school’s second mock election since 2016.
“We talk about quality of information and getting the correct facts and being able to think for yourself and make good decisions,” Eldridge stated.
Students participating in the election, such as Alexis Bazzell, recognize the opportunity to understand the privilege associated with voting. “I think it’s like a good opportunity for students of this group, that we can just kind of see how voting is when you turn 18 and can vote in these elections, especially presidential elections because those are the biggest ones,” Bazzell said.
Kelly Bales, an AP Government teacher, highlighted the importance of understanding the “why” behind voting, particularly during presidential elections. She noted that while covering the history of the Electoral College, her seniors often express interest, especially as many are on the cusp of voting in real elections.
Bales remarked, “They don’t know a whole lot about the candidates and they’re fortunate to participate in a mock election in our school.” Many of her students will have the opportunity to cast their votes in the upcoming elections.
Eldridge concluded that this mock election serves as a starting point for students to become informed voters. The real Election Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5, as students prepare to translate their experience into future civic engagement.
