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If Glenbard North High School students represented the entire state of Illinois, Democrat Pat Quinn would be elected to another term as governor.
During a mock election held Wednesday, Oct. 6 by the school in cooperation with the League of Women Voters, social-studies students voted during their classes using authentic voting equipment which will be used during the general election Nov. 2.
Kevin Coon, social studies department chairman, said the exercise helps prepares students for the election process.
“Studies show that the more students know about the process, the more likely they are to vote,” he said.
Glenbard North government students created bulletin boards in the school cafeteria that provided information about the political spectrum, political parties, as well as the elections for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. representative for the 6th Congressional District. Other government students created fliers that were distributed in government classes that describe what the governor and U.S. senators and representatives do. Government students also worked as election judges for the mock election.
By working with teachers and participating in the mock election, school officials said students gain a better understanding of what’s involved in the voting process.
Coon said the high school’s social studies department had students spend several weeks before Wednesday’s activity researching the candidates and issues.
Students picked Republican Peter Roskam for the 6th district, with 52 percent of the vote, compared to Democrat Benjamin Lowe, who brought in 44 percent. For the other elections, students mainly voted for Democrats.
Social studies teacher Lori Keough was surprised by yesterday’s results.
“Just because DuPage County is so Republican, I was shocked that Democrats won every single race except for Roskam,” she said. “It shows in general that students are learning on their own and making decisions on their own and not going with what their parents think.”
Keough said President Obama also might have played a part in the student’s decision.
“A lot of them like Obama and maybe because they know he is a Democrat, that’s why they voted Democrat,” she said.
Student Dylan McPharlan, 16, cast his vote during the mock election for independent governor candidate Scott Lee Cohen because he shares Cohen’s view on education.
“He wants the dropout age to go from 16 to 18,” Dylan said. “I think that will give people more of a chance if they have those extra two years.”
Student Ryan Marie, 16, cast her vote for Republican candidate Bill Brady. A Republican herself,
If Glenbard North High School students represented the entire state of Illinois, Democrat Pat Quinn would be elected to another term as governor.
During a mock election held Wednesday, Oct. 6 by the school in cooperation with the League of Women Voters, social-studies students voted during their classes using authentic voting equipment which will be used during the general election Nov. 2.
Kevin Coon, social studies department chairman, said the exercise helps prepares students for the election process.
“Studies show that the more students know about the process, the more likely they are to vote,” he said.
Glenbard North government students created bulletin boards in the school cafeteria that provided information about the political spectrum, political parties, as well as the elections for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. representative for the 6th Congressional District. Other government students created fliers that were distributed in government classes that describe what the governor and U.S. senators and representatives do. Government students also worked as election judges for the mock election.
By working with teachers and participating in the mock election, school officials said students gain a better understanding of what’s involved in the voting process.
Coon said the high school’s social studies department had students spend several weeks before Wednesday’s activity researching the candidates and issues.
Students picked Republican Peter Roskam for the 6th district, with 52 percent of the vote, compared to Democrat Benjamin Lowe, who brought in 44 percent. For the other elections, students mainly voted for Democrats.
Social studies teacher Lori Keough was surprised by yesterday’s results.
“Just because DuPage County is so Republican, I was shocked that Democrats won every single race except for Roskam,” she said. “It shows in general that students are learning on their own and making decisions on their own and not going with what their parents think.”
Keough said President Obama also might have played a part in the student’s decision.
“A lot of them like Obama and maybe because they know he is a Democrat, that’s why they voted Democrat,” she said.
Student Dylan McPharlan, 16, cast his vote during the mock election for independent governor candidate Scott Lee Cohen because he shares Cohen’s view on education.
“He wants the dropout age to go from 16 to 18,” Dylan said. “I think that will give people more of a chance if they have those extra two years.”
Student Ryan Marie, 16, cast her vote for Republican candidate Bill Brady. A Republican herself,
Ryan said she identifies with his morals and his stance on fiscal conservatism.
“He wants to cut spending,” she said. “Who wouldn’t want to pay less Illinois taxes?”
Student Anthony Schullo, 17, who voted for Democrat Pat Quinn during the mock election because he supports Quinn’s stance on education reform, enjoyed being able to participate in the day.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “It gives an opportunity for students to see what goes on and gets them more excited.”
And Coon said that was the point.
“This prepares them for the process and helps them view voting as a responsibility,” he said.
