On Election Day, Flora Vista School students went to the polls to experience voting day, an immersive civic learning experience on the democratic process. The school was one of three in the Encinitas Union School District to host mock elections this year with the hope of generating future voters.
Students at Flora Vista had a crowded ballot with four major issues to weigh in on. They were voting on blue or green paint colors for the library, their pick for the yearbook cover (all beautiful designs by the students), and which book should be awarded with the California Young Reader Medal from five titles they were all introduced to by the librarian.
Flora Vista students went to the polls at a mock election on Election Day. (Karen Billing)
Students were also voting on a district-wide initiative: what should be the new lunch item for the December school lunch menu with choices of chicken Alfredo with garlic sauce, a Caprese sandwich with pesto and fresh mozzarella, or a baked potato with nacho cheese sauce and sour cream on the side.
“Im excited for our students to practice and learn about civic engagement now, in order to support their journey towards becoming empowered citizens and informed voters as adults,” said Flora Vista Principal Arlene Oyagi in a news release. “Weve chosen ballot items that will allow students to experience the voting process and its impacts in a very tangible way.”
Oyagi was able to tap into resources from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters so that kids got an authentic voting day experience complete with official voting booths, personalized ballot boxes and “I Voted” stickers. The youngest students needed stools to help reach their voting booths.
At Flora Vista, Student Council students were deployed as poll workers helping with the flow of younger students while voters flowed through by class, collecting ballots and dispensing stickers.
“I’m excited for this year because this is the first time we’ve ever voted,” said fifth-grader Cy. “The booths are really cool.”
A proud young Flora Vista fifth grade voter. (Karen Billing)
Prior to election day, the school hosted Dr. Georgia Kernell, a political science professor and researcher at UCLA, to present about the U.S. government system, the election process, polling and the importance of voting. Oyagi said even the youngest students were engaged and able to understand the concepts.
Student poll workers handed out I Voted stickers to young voters. (Lucy Finlayson)
Before voting, each student also filled out a voter registration card—drawing their ID photo and signing their official signature. All of the registration cards were on display on a wall in the multipurpose room, along with a quote by Coretta Scott King: “Freedom is never really won, you have to earn it and win it with each generation.”
Capri and Paul Ecke Central students also participated in Election Day voting, on topics like the next spirit day theme or jogathon prize options. At Flora Vista, the official results would be shared during the student-led Falcon News report the following Monday.
“It’s important to vote because then our voices are heard,” said fifth grader Brody, who affixed his “I Voted” sticker on his forehead. “It’s important to vote for what you believe in…it’s just school, but it still makes a difference.”
Students vote in Flora Vista Schools mock election. (Lucy Finlayson)
All students at Flora Vista voting on issues impacting their school. (Lucy Finlayson)
All students at Flora Vista voting on issues impacting their school. (Lucy Finlayson)
A proud young Flora Vista fifth grade voter. (Karen Billing)
Show Caption1 of 4Students vote in Flora Vista Schools mock election. (Lucy Finlayson)
ExpandThe students all said it was important to keep their votes to themselves, no one else needed to know their opinion—even though one admitted a strong stance against the baked potato because he does not like sour cream.
After voting, teachers snapped photos of the proud young voters photos in front of a red, white and blue backdrop that read “Your Vote Matters”.