MOUNT VERNON – As the Nov. 2 election approached, 11th-graders at Mount Vernon High School prepared to cast their ballots in a mock election, according to a press release from Kids Voting Ohio (KVO).
Although their votes won’t count in Ohio’s general election, the experience is designed to feel just as authentic.
The students put their civics lessons into practice as they experienced the entire voting process from registering to vote, to learning about issues and candidates, to casting their votes.
“Our student mock election is preparing young Ohioians to be active, lifelong voters by becoming familiar with the democratic process,” said Matina Bliss, KVO program director. “This simple yet effective tool inspires students to realize the power of their vote by allowing them to actively participate in a structured, realistic election.”
Some 50 students participated in the KVO program, the release said. KVO has created a simple system that is free to educators and gives students a chance to learn the importance of voting as well as civic involvement in an engaging and fun way.
The Mount Vernon High School mock election paralleled the real election, with votes cast through Nov. 2. KVO will release the results soon after.
KVO is a free, nonpartisan voter and civics education program for Ohio students in grades three through 12. In addition to mock elections, the group offers a social studies standards-aligned curriculum, student scholarships, teacher training sessions, opportunities for student events and experiences, educator and voter resources. To learn more, visit kidsvotingohio.org.
