Inspiring a New Generation of Voters

Young people have the potential to be a force in elections, but only if they get involved and make voting a habit.

To encourage students to be active voters once they are old enough to cast a ballot, Secretary of State Debra Bowen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell are inviting high school and middle school students, teachers and principals to participate in the MyVote California Student Mock Election, which takes place on Thursday, October 30, 2008, only a few days before California’s November 4 Presidential General Election.

Working with the California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools and in coordination with the National Student/Parent Mock Election, the MyVote California Student Mock Election will stir students’ interest in elections by tapping into the excitement of the presidential campaign season. Students will gain first-hand knowledge of the power of their vote as they learn about the candidates and issues and discover how government and politics affect every part of their lives. The project will culminate with the MyVote Student Mock Election on October 30, 2008, when California's students will make their voices heard along with millions of others across the United States.

For Principals: REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL. You will need to designate a campus Election Coordinator to serve as your school’s main contact for the Student Mock Election and to report your school’s general election results. We hope the MyVote California Student Mock Election Fact Sheet will help answer questions that teachers and others may have about the student mock election.

For Teachers: Democracy Central - A Teacher's Guide for the 2008 Election features standards-based lesson plans and suggested activities selected by the California Campaign to the Civic Mission of Schools to help stir student interest in elections, candidates and political campaigns. It includes useful online resources that will help students become informed and engaged voters as they carry out the most important responsibility citizens have in our democracy.

For Students: Let your teachers know you want to make your voice heard in the MyVote California Student Mock Election. Consider opportunities to earn while you learn first-hand how elections are run by serving as a poll worker during California's November 4, 2008, Presidential General Election. As a poll worker you may be eligible for a stipend ranging from $60 to $150, depending where you live. To find out what it takes, contact your county elections office.

If you have questions, please contact the MyVote California Student Mock Election Team at myvote@sos.ca.gov or (916) 651-3070.

Calendar

July
7/1	Student elections curriculum available
August
8/1	School registration begins
September
9/12	Schools registering by this date will receive materials by mail
9/15	Election materials and resources available online
October
10/29	Last day for schools to register (Schools print materials from the Web site)
10/30	Students vote*
10/31	School election results due by 5:00 p.m. to Secretary of State
November
11/3	Announcement of statewide student election results
11/4	2008 General Election

*Note: Voting may begin earlier to accommodate school schedules.

Click here for 2008 Student Mock Presidential Primary Election Results.