October 30, 2024
With Election Day less than a week away, students at N.B. Clements Junior High School had the opportunity to learn more about democratic elections in the United States during a multi-day activity culminating in a mock election at the "Clements voting precinct" in the school's library.
Ms. Wilder checks in students on the voter roll prior to receiving a ballot at the Clements library during the school's mock election activity on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
In late October, the school's civics teachers - Mrs. Kim Brooks, Ms. Tiana Johnson, Mrs. Rae Thompson, and Mrs. Kendall Whitmore - took part in the unique activity that began with the future voters learning about the upcoming November 5 election and the importance of voter participation. During their classroom lessons, they learned about the presidential candidates and where each stands on various issues, such as the economy, healthcare, education, foreign policy, and social issues. The lesson offered opportunities for students to have thoughtful conversations and evaluate what issues matter to them as they prepared to head to the polls in the Clements library for the mock election.
Alongside lessons about political parties and what goes into an election, the students completed voter registration applications, allowing them to receive voter ID for the two-day polling event.
N.B. Clements Junior High School librarian Ms. Kim Bailey hands out "I Voted Today" stickers to students after they've placed their ballots in the polling box for tabulation.
On October 30-31, each class traveled to the library to cast their votes in the "Clements voting precinct." Each student presented their voter ID, was checked on the official voter roll for the lesson, and provided a ballot. The students were directed to private polling stations where they could complete their ballots before eventually inserting their finished documents into the collection box for future tabulation.
Just like millions of voters on Tuesday, November 5, the students received official "I voted today" stickers marking their completion of the mock election activity. The classes were supported by "Clements voting precinct" poll workers Ms. Kim Bailey, Ms. Annie Holdsworth, and Ms. Megan Wilder.
Ms. Johnson's Civics class poses for a photo after the group successfully cast their ballots in the school's mock election on Wednesday afternoon.
The election results will be announced on Friday, November 1.