Empowering Young Voices

With the election just a little over a week away, many are anticipating the end of the long period of campaigns. As absentee ballots have been sent out and early voting has begun in numerous areas, the end of the election year is in sight. In an effort to educate the youth about the valuable right to vote, White Sulphur Springs School held a mock election for several classes in the elementary school.

The 4th, 5th, and 6th grades of White Sulphur Springs Elementary School voted in a mock election last Friday, October 25. The young students were guided through the process, showcasing how their future will look when they can legally vote in elections. Students showed identification to check in and cast their votes on several different topics. The students voted for dogs as their favorite animal, science as their favorite subject, and pepperoni as their favorite pizza type. The students also voted on the subject of laws, voting to enact a “No Homework Law” and voting not in favor of “Having Cake for Breakfast.”

Additionally, the students observed the process of tallying and counting votes. Liv West, Meagher County Election Administrator and Clerk & Recorder, and Brandi Dreidlein, Deputy Clerk & Recorder, facilitated the mock election. Under the guidance of the county officials, the students had the opportunity to both observe and ask important questions pertaining to vote counting and other similar topics.

Education about voting at an early age plays a significant role in the development of informed future citizens and in supporting a healthy democracy. Through mock elections, students gain exposure to the voting process and an understanding of how individual choices contribute to broader outcomes. These experiences introduce concepts of fairness, representation, and civic responsibility, offering students a foundation that prepares them for informed participation in civic life as they grow.

The mock election at White Sulphur Springs Elementary School gave students a hands-on introduction to the voting process, sparking curiosity and encouraging questions about civic responsibility. With guidance from local election officials, students experienced a glimpse of the responsibilities they will hold as voters in the future. By fostering an early appreciation for democratic participation, the event aimed to lay the groundwork for a generation of engaged, informed citizens.

Photo via White Sulphur Springs School District Facebook Page.