AP16:106
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2016
CONTACT: Sam Mahood
(916) 653-6575
Secretary Padilla and Superintendent Torlakson Invite California Teachers to Register for Student Mock Election
SACRAMENTO – Secretary of State Alex Padilla and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson invite teachers to sign-up their schools to participate in California’s MyVote Student Mock Election, which will take place on October 11, 2016. Teachers can register their school online at: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/student-mock-election/
“We want students to become active voters as soon as they are old enough to cast a ballot,” Secretary of State Padilla said. “Practical voting experiences, such as the MyVote Student Mock Election, can go a long way toward establishing civic participation as a lifelong habit.”
“I never had the experience of heading to the polls when I was growing up because my parents had not yet gained U.S. citizenship. Many students are in similar situations today. That is why it is so important to provide first-hand experience with the democratic process,” Padilla added.
“This is a terrific opportunity for educators and their students to get excited about voting and learn more about their roles in our democratic process. I encourage everyone to participate. Get out there and vote,” said Torlakson, who started his public service career as a science teacher and coach.
California students participating in the Mock Election will “vote” for US President, US Senate, and several of the Propositions that will be on the November General Election ballot. Results will be reported to the Secretary of State’s office and made available online.
The Secretary of State’s office, in partnership with the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s office, conducts the Mock Election for high school and middle school students across California.
Schools registered by August 20 will receive a mock election tool kit by mail.
530 schools, representing 334,545 students, have already registered to participate in the 2016 Mock Election.
In 2014, students from 491 schools participated in the statewide Mock Election—casting over 142,000 votes in the Mock Election Gubernatorial contest.
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