ON NOVEMBER 2, 2006, 18,856 votes were cast across the state for the 2006 National Student/Parent Mock Election (NSPME). The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum served as the state headquarters for this nation-wide organization devoted to increasing student interest and participation in the voting process. As the nation’s largest voter education project, it is open to students and parents and held every two years.
This past year’s election focused on the gubernatorial race in Massachusetts. Schools across the state registered with the Kennedy Library and received curricula tailored to elementary, middle and high school students. The curricula included biographical information on the candidates, their positions on the issues, and classroom activities that prepared students for the election.
On November 2, students voted for the four candidates for governor and enthusiastically reported their results to the Kennedy Library. The Mock Election results closely reflected those of the general election held the following Tuesday. Deval Patrick won with 50% of the vote; Kerry Healey received 31%; Christy Mihos 10%; and Grace Ross 9%. One teacher noted, “Voting at [our school] was a huge success. Students learned a great deal about the democratic process and were proud to participate in this privilege.”
The next National Student/Parent Mock Election will be held in 2008. For more information visit www.nationalmockelection.org. To have your school added to the mailing list for the 2008 NSPME, please send an email to Mock.Election@nara.gov