Pinecrest Academy students in kindergarten through fifth grade got a real taste of democracy when they participated in a mock presidential election on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Parents and teachers joined together to create an activity that simulated the voting process in every way.

Because nationwide, youths have traditionally been under-represented during elections, the goal of this interactive educational activity was to excite and engage students in the democratic process and to take the mystery out of voting.

Pinecrest Lower School teachers discussed the electoral process with their classes before they went to the 5th grade ‘precinct’ to cast their votes, stressing their privilege and responsibility as Americans. The fifth graders became knowledgeable in election rules and regulations and actively engaged in setting up and running the polling place for their younger classmates.

Students from all kindergarten through fifth grade classes lined up during scheduled times to cast their ballots inside Mrs. Laura Kelley’s fifth grade classroom, which had been converted to resemble a polling place.

Six individual polling booths were set up with computers, which allowed voters to cast votes for not only the presidential candidates, but for other important issues like ‘favorite school supply’ and ‘favorite cupcake flavor.’

Wearing red, white, and blue, fifth grade ‘poll workers’ lead their younger classmates through each step of the voting process, and then presented them with “I Voted” buttons and stickers. Students even participated in exit polls, conducted by fifth grade staffers who carried official clipboards allowing them to properly tally exit poll data.

"If we get one committed future voter today, I'll be happy," said Mrs. Kelley, a fifth grade History teacher. "My number-one goal is to give my students a sense of civic virtue so that when they turn 18, they will vote their conscience and participate in the governance our great country."