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Schools

Glenbard South and the League of Women Voters Hold Mock Election

Mock election on Tuesday at Glenbard South High School helps to prepare students to vote.

On Tuesday October 5, The Glen Ellyn League of Women Voters held a mock election with students at Glenbard South High School. The election was intended to raise awareness of the importance of voting to some of our nation's soon-to-be voters, as well as to guide them through what can be an intimidating process.

"The League of Women Voters came and sought us out because they wanted to do an election like this. Glenbard South is a Democracy School. We were awarded that title last year for things that the school is trying to do to promote student activities in the community and inside the school as well. We thought that this was a great way to exemplify that democracy school award and continue with that," said History teacher Elizabeth McGann.

The school went through a rigorous advertising process where they reached out to as many students as they could to promote voting.

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"We have been working very closely with The League of Women Voters to bring in the ballots and equipment and organize the students," added McGann. "We've had the students create campaign posters to get the word out that today is our mock election. We sent out emails to the student body and we've had announcements over the past week."

The Student Union at Glenbard South acted as the legislators for the election. Student Representative Jamie Mulrow, Junior Vice President Kevin Kron and Junior President Joe Zanoni all participated to create an election similar to what the students will later experience when actually voting. 

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"I think that it's important to vote and this is a good experience and good practice for those who haven't voted yet," said Mulrow.

Zanoni was quite pleased with how the election had turned out. "It's good motivation for students to get out and vote when they're of age because a lot of citizens don't especially for midterm elections," said Zanoni.

The League of Women Voters was also very pleased at the success this event had and is hoping that the skills the students acquired through this mock election will make voting easier for them in future.

"One of the greatest rights Americans have is the ability to participate in elections," said Sarah Allen of the League of Women Voters. "Today we're here at Glenbard South High School giving that very valuable lesson to students, teaching them the ins and outs of voting so that when they go to vote the first time it doesn't seem alien, it actually feels very comfortable.  It is something that they want to do that gives them great pride in their citizenship."

The mock ballot, which is actually no different than the way an actual ballot would look, included places for the students to vote for the governor, US senate race and the US representative from our district. Many of the students found it appealing how realistic the entire event was.

"It's neat to see actual voting equipment in use and it is also very official looking voting which will hopefully encourage more students to vote," said Kron.

"I think having these dramatic black boxes in the hallway will also get the word out. Also, when students start to see the stickers they're going to want to start voting as well," said McGann.

According to Ginger Wheeler, president of the Glen Ellyn League of Women Voters, this time is crucial for these students to adapt the qualities needed to be regular voters.

"All the research says that for us to help kids become habitual voters the best strategy is to register them early and to couple that with training in the school about voting," Wheeler said.

 

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