Decision '08

Learning the election process

Scott Evans, Christian Youth Party

Cindy Perkins, Social Equality Party

Tamara Richards,
America First Party

      Our Current Events class has recently been studying the electoral process and the importance of civil activism.  We have studied the history and evolution of the right to vote in western thought, especially focusing on the suffrage movements in the United States.  Since the presidential election is just around the corner and the students are at or near the age where they can vote, we have been learning about political ideologies in America and the platforms of different candidates.  More importantly, each student has been thinking about their own beliefs and positions on crucial issues that dominate American politics today. 

     The students created their own parties and stated their platforms after studying the platforms of actual candidates.   Three final candidates were then chosen by the class.  These three were responsible for their own campaign finance (e.g. they were given "X" amount of dollars and had to delegate where the money was spent).  They hired their own staff to help with their campaign.  They campaigned for their parties in class by creating flyers and posters and giving political speeches.    And finally, they were able to cast their vote.  The students decided to elect one of their classmates by popular vote to be their Current Events class president.  Here are the results!  

Congratulations Cindy!