Birmingham High School Engages Students in Presidential Mock Elections
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — At Seaholm High School, excitement is in the air as students take part in a lively tradition that has been ongoing since 1972: the mock presidential election! Each election cycle, students research candidates and issues, practicing their voting skills in a way that echoes the real voting process. Though these votes don’t officially count, the results have proven to be surprisingly insightful over the years.
What’s Going On?
“Today we’re running our mock election which we love for every single presidential election we have,” shared AP Government and Economics teacher Kellie Howe. This marks the school’s 13th mock presidential election, a milestone that highlights the importance of student engagement during election seasons.
The hallways buzz with students checking in, and they’re required to show photo IDs—much like in an actual election. The goal? To ensure that the event feels authentic and promotes an understanding of the voting process. “We need to get our voices out there. We are just as important in this country as someone who is 65,” stated Sophie Gable, a senior in the AP Government class.
The Importance of Student Involvement
Spencer Werner, another senior, emphasized the value of the mock election experience. “Our teacher helped us to understand how important it is to understand who you’re voting for and what the person you’re going for is gonna do for this country,” he explained. “It’s just really good practice,” echoed Gable, who feels that participating makes her more confident for the real thing. “When I actually get up there and vote, I’m not going to be completely lost.”
This mock election is not just limited to students. Teachers and staff are encouraged to cast their ballots on key positions, including the President and Senator, as well as one important local issue. “We discuss this in social studies all the time, and we have all these election ads we’re seeing. But they don’t feel involved unless they can physically vote,” noted Howe.
A Track Record of Predictions
What’s even more fascinating is that this school has accurately predicted the next President of the United States for over 50 years. “I think it has to do with the demographic of our community,” suggested Howe. The diverse backgrounds of students from Birmingham, Bloomfield, and even parts of Southfield and Troy contribute to the broader perspective they bring to the polls.
Reflections from the Principal
Even Principal Michael Wicker, a former student who participated in a mock election during the Bush vs. Gore race in 2000, has taken part in the event. “I think this election cycle has a lot more mainstream media attention,” he said. When asked whether the students would predict correctly this year, he confidently stated, “I know they will. We’re not going to break the streak, not in my first year as Principal!”
However, there are some uncertainties looming this year due to the contentious nature of the election. “Personally, I am wondering if this will factor into their predictions,” Howe admitted. “Will we be right, will we be wrong?”
Results of the Mock Election
The results of this year’s mock election were revealed this morning, and they offer a glimpse into the political leanings of these young voters. The total votes cast were 689, and here’s how they broke down:
- President & Vice President: Donald Trump & JD Vance (Republican) – 296 votes (46.1%)
- United States Senator: Details not provided.
- United States Representative in Congress, 11th District: Details not provided.
- Representative in State Legislature, 19th District: Details not provided.
In this little corner of Birmingham, the mock election not only serves as an educational tool but also as a way for these future voters to start engaging with the political system that will shape their lives. It’s heartwarming to see young voices bubbling with enthusiasm, knowing they are contributing to a larger conversation.
