Young people have the potential to be a powerful force in elections, but only if they get involved and make voting a habit.
To encourage students to become active and informed voters once they are old enough to cast a ballot, Secretary of State Debra Bowen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson invite high school and middle school students, teachers and principals to participate in the MyVote California Student Mock Election, which takes place in late October, about a week before each regularly scheduled statewide general election.
Working with the California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools and the Constitutional Rights Foundation, in coordination with the National Student/Parent Mock Election, the Student Mock Election taps into the excitement of the campaign season to stir students' interest in voting. As students learn about the candidates and issues, they discover how government and politics affect every part of their lives. They gain firsthand knowledge of how citizens make their voice heard in our democracy, and experience the power of their votes when thousands of California’s high school and middle school students have their say on the candidates and issues on Student Mock Election Day.
If you have questions, or would like to share with us how you are 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.
