Students can participate in mock election can participate in mock election

OLYMPIA — Students will be participating in statewide mock election starting this month.

The mock election runs from Oct. 1 to Nov. 5 is open to all K-12 students, who will cast votes on races and measures.

“I’m inviting educators throughout the state to use the student mock election and help encourage lifelong participation in our democracy,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said Tuesday, Oct. 1. “This opportunity is great preparation for young Washingtonians to become aware and involved as soon as they’re eligible.”

Ballots, vote tabulation sheets, posters and voter pamphlets are available for download at https://www.sos.wa.gov/mockelection.

Free “I Voted” stickers can be ordered from the website, as well.

In this year’s mock election, students make decisions on presidential and state executive candidates, and a statewide initiative regarding natural gas.

In an alternate ballot, students can vote on issues of special importance to their age group, including cellphone usage in schools, whether pineapple is a suitable pizza topping and choosing the state’s cryptid ambassador.

The Secretary of State Office is also offering supplies for teachers, and a curriculum book with a series of 30-45 minute election lessons.

“I’m proud to make this toolkit of free resources available to every teacher and home educator,” Hobbs said. “I hope to help students across the state learn the power of civic engagement.”