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Washington students gave two thumbs up to expanded rights for domestic partners – and said no way to caps on government revenue funds.
That’s according to the results of the 2009 Mock Election, which closed at noon today after 5,300 students in grades K-12 participated. Students in grades 6 through 12 weighed in on statewide ballot measures Initiative 1033 and Referendum 71.
Approximately 59 percent of student voters in the Mock Election favored Referendum 71, which asks voters to approve or reject a law passed by Legislature to expand rights of domestic partners. In a closer race, 56 percent of students voted against the limits Initiative 1033 would place on state, county and city revenue.
Secretary of State Sam Reed will announce next week which of the schools had the highest Mock Election turnout, and will give them special recognition.
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“I am pleased to see so many students excited about having their voices heard,” said Reed. “Washington State needs citizens to have good voting habits, and the Mock Election helps students form them.”
Schools with the highest percentage of student voters will receive a signed certificate to honor their commitment to civic education, and each student will get a prize for participating. Additionally, Reed will visit the schools to personally give his congratulations, and to discuss with students what they learned in the Mock Election.
Younger students in grades K-5 voted on more age-appropriate ballot measures. A resounding 76 percent voted against mandatory school uniforms, whereas 61 percent thought kids should pick up litter around their school one recess a month.
The public can compare how the student vote differs from the statewide vote on November 3, when registered voters make a decision on both I-1033 and R-71.
The Mock Election is a non-partisan educational tool that promotes civic awareness in classrooms, sponsored by the Office of Secretary of State.
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