Lexington, Ky. — Tates Creek High School hosted a mock U.S. Presidential Election today, allowing students to engage in a simulated voting process. This initiative aimed to enhance citizenship skills among students and promote awareness of civic duties.
The mock election began several weeks ago, with students registering to vote in their social studies classes. Today, they checked in with their student IDs before casting their votes in the school library. Library media specialist Jennifer Eldridge noted the importance of creating a realistic voting experience, stating, “It’s a huge opportunity to kind of have our kids practice some citizenship skills.” Each participating student received a sticker, mimicking the process of an actual election.
While the mock ballot focused exclusively on the presidential race using a Google form, discussions surrounding voting and civic responsibility flourished throughout the school. Junior Braylon Dobbs remarked on the significance of the activity, describing it as a valuable training experience for future voters. His classmate, Chance Masika, expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for youth involvement in the nation’s governance: “This is our future, we’re building it, and we should be involved.”
The initiative not only prepared students for future voting but also fostered important conversations about the role of voting in shaping their aspirations for America. Masika added, “Voting should be something that is connected to you, what you want, and what you expect from our country.” The involvement of students in various roles, including assisting with registration and organizing the voting booths, contributed to a sense of community and ownership.
As seniors gear up to vote in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election for the first time, Eldridge hopes all students will be more attuned to political happenings as a result of their participation in the mock election. She stated, “I really feel like they’re going to be more aware of what’s going on tomorrow, more interested in what’s going on tomorrow because of what they’ve experienced today.”
At the end of the day, students learned the results of the mock election just before heading home, capping off an educational experience aimed at instilling a sense of civic duty and engagement.
