On November 5, 2024, students at the Crowden School participated in a mock election, designed by our English and History teachers–Ms. Ballard, Ms. Bassoff, Ms. Mattson, and Mr. Powles. Prior to voting, students prepared for the election in their History classes. The event provided a real-world, hands-on experience of the U.S. electoral process, helping students gain a deeper understanding of democracy in action. 

Real Voting Experience

The school’s Auditorium was transformed into a functioning polling station for the day, complete with a registration table and private voting booths. Each grade visited the polling station in turns, where they registered to vote, waited in line, and then casted their ballots for various races and propositions. The process was designed to closely resemble what it’s like to vote in a real election.

Learning About the Ballot

While waiting in line, students learned some surprising facts about the voting process. They discovered that, in some parts of the country, voters sometimes wait up to seven hours to cast their ballots in person! This was a powerful reminder of the effort and time many people invest in exercising their right to vote. 

Once students reached the voting booths, they were presented with a range of choices. The mock election mirrored real-life elections in many ways, with ballots that included voting for a president, Senate, and various propositions–just like the ones that appear on the actual election ballots. In addition to national and state-level issues, students also voted on propositions that impact the Crowden community specifically, providing a unique opportunity to think about how decisions made at the local level can shape their everyday lives. This exercise allowed students to connect the broader political process to their own school environment. Whether it was voting on proposed changes to school policies or reflecting on issues affecting their own community, students were able to experience how elections can have both a personal and a nationwide impact.

Reflecting on the Experience

At the end of the day, the mock election wasn’t just about voting–it was about gaining a deeper understanding of how democracy works and why it’s important to participate. Many students walked away with a new appreciation for the electoral process, and a better understanding of how elections work–from voter registration to casting a ballot. Political engagement is often talked about, but not always experienced directly. Crowden’s mock election gave students an opportunity to learn by doing. By making the process both fun and educational, our teachers helped students develop a sense of civic responsibility while encouraging them to critically think about the importance and impact of their vote.

– Kennia Hernandez