The 2009 Mock Election starts Monday, and Secretary of State Sam Reed has announced he will give special recognition to schools with the highest student voter turnout. 

“We want to reward kids who choose to be active participants in our democracy,” Reed said.  “The Mock Election helps kids develop good voting habits.”

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.

A non-partisan educational tool that promotes civic awareness in classrooms, the Mock Election helps students:

·         Understand the history of voting rights and why voting is important;

·         Separate fact from election rhetoric;

·         Make informed decisions about candidates and ballot measures; and

·         Contribute to their communities after the election.

This year in the Mock Election, older students (grades 6-12) will vote on actual statewide measures Initiative 1033 and Referendum 71. Younger students (grades K-5) will take a stand on more age-appropriate issues listed on their special ballots.

The Mock Election has historically drawn immense participation from schools all over Washington, with nearly 18,000 students voting last year.

 

Online voting this year opens for students grades K-12 Monday, October 26, at 9 a.m. and closes Friday, October 30, at noon.

For more information and to order free “I Voted” stickers, e-mail just4you@secstate.wa.gov or visit www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/mock .  

 

The Mock Election is sponsored by the Office of Secretary of State.