Students hold mock election for entire school

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - American Dreamer Stem Academy students held a mock presidential election for the entire school.

Middle School Social Studies teacher David Harding told WAND News the mock election was created to allow children to see what it was like to perform their civic duty.

"We've tried to provide an authentic experience," he said.

Just like polling places across the country, students met their poll workers at a table. Their names were crossed off the list, and then they were able to vote for the president of the United States using a QR code.

"I'm proud of our school and how they came up to do this," said 8th grader Jayden. "I don't think many schools give the chance to do this."

The results of the American Dreamer Stem Academy do not count towards the 2024 Presidential Election. Organizers felt this was a way to prepare the next generation and show them what it will be like when they get the opportunity to step into the ballot box as a registered voter.

"It's a great experience for like the littles to understand what's going to happen as they get older," said 8th grader Jabree.

Once students cast their ballot, like all registered voters, they received their "I voted" sticker.

Again, results from this mock election do not count towards the total.