Secretary of State Alex Padilla and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson are inviting teachers to sign up their schools to participate in California’s MyVote Student Mock Election, which will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Teachers can register their school online at sos.ca.gov/elections/student-mock-election.
“We want students to become active voters as soon as they are old enough to cast a ballot,” Padilla said. “Practical voting experiences, such as the MyVote Student Mock Election, can go a long way toward establishing civic participation as a lifelong habit.”
The secretary of state said he never had the experience of heading to the polls when he was growing up because his parents had not yet gained U.S. citizenship. “Many students are in similar situations today,” he said. “That is why it is so important to provide first-hand experience with the democratic process.”
California students participating in the mock election will “vote” for US president and US Senate and on several of the propositions that will be on the November General Election ballot. Results will be reported to the Secretary of State’s office and made available online.
The Secretary of State’s office, in partnership with the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s office, conducts the mock election for high school and middle school students across California.
Schools registered by Aug. 20 will receive a mock election tool kit by mail.
According to Padilla’s office, 530 schools, representing 334,545 students, have already registered to participate in the 2016 mock election.
In 2014, students from 491 schools participated in the statewide event, casting over 142,000 votes in the mock election gubernatorial contest.
“This is a terrific opportunity for educators and their students to get excited about voting and learn more about their roles in our democratic process,” said Torlakson, who started his public-service career as a science teacher and coach. “I encourage everyone to participate. Get out there and vote.”
Source: CA secretary of state’s office
