The library at Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School became a temporary polling place on October 26 as Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) students cast ballots in the 2010 MyVote California Student Mock Election.
Students from the Palmiter campus, and neighboring Elinor Lincoln High Jr./Sr. High School, voted on who they think should be California's next Governor and U.S. Senator, and on the ballot measures that will come before California voters in the November 2, 2010, General Election.
The MyVote California Student Mock Election, in conjunction with the California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, provides students with an election season opportunity to make their voices heard on the candidates and issues that affect them and their families.
"This is not only about students taking charge of their lives, but a lesson in civic responsibility. Students have the ability to be part of the voting process," said Principal Lauren Roth. "The voting poll often can be intimidating and mock elections provide students with a feel for a 'real' election."
During student mock elections, students can compare their voting results to those of their peers around the state. They also can compare their decisions to those made by adult voters. The overall goal of the program is to help high school and middle school students discover the importance of elections and the power of their votes in our democracy.
This year, more than 100,000 California high school students participated in the MyVote California Student Mock election. They joined millions of young mock election voters in other states in an impressive display of student opinion on the candidates and issues affecting the future of our state and nation.