Young people have the potential to be a force in elections, but only if they get involved and make voting a habit.
Secretary of State Debra Bowen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell launched the MyVote California Student Mock Election to inspire and prepare young people to become active voters as soon as they are old enough to cast a ballot.
In 2008, the Student Mock Election stirred students' interest in elections by tapping into the excitement of the presidential campaign season. Working with the California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, and in coordination with the National Student/Parent Mock Election, the Student Mock Election helped high school and middle school students gain first-hand knowledge of the power of their vote as they learned about the candidates and issues and discovered how government and politics affect every part of their lives. More than 270,000 students made their voices heard on Student Mock Election Day, October 30, 2008, along with millions of other young people across the United States.
The MyVote California Student Mock Election Team asked teachers to share memorable activities or moments from their mock election. Many instructors were kind enough to take the time to respond and their thoughts and suggestions can be found on this Sharing Ideas webpage that includes creative ideas other teachers and schools can draw from as they strive to get their students excited about elections and informed on the issues before they vote.
The My Vote California Student Mock Election website provides all the tools schools and teachers need to help young people become informed and engaged voters as they carry out the most important responsibility people have in our democracy.
The 2008 Student Mock Election "kit" included:
The MyVote California Student Mock Election also invites young people to gain firsthand experience with elections by serving their communities as poll workers on Election Day. To be eligible, students must be citizens and at least 16 years of age, plus have a 2.5 or higher grade-point average and permission from their parent or guardian and teacher. Student poll workers receive training from their county registrar of voters, and earn a stipend of from $60 to $150, depending on the county where they live. For information, please contact your county's registrar of voters.
The next MyVote California Student Mock Election will take place just prior to California's November 2010 General Election.
If you have questions, or would like to share with us how your school is working to help students become lifelong voters, please contact the MyVote California Student Mock Election Team at myvote@sos.ca.gov or (916) 651-3070.
2008 Presidential Primary Election
