For the past few weeks, social studies teachers in District 218 promoted their mock election in classes, school announcements, and in every hallway. They wanted plant a seed: That democracy only works when people participate.
Aside from a lesson in civics, teachers also understood that the United States as a whole faces a real problem in voter apathy.
According to Pew Research, America ranks 31st out of 35 developed, democratic nations belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
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Teachers also wanted to create an authentic experience, as much as possible in a mock election, for students. In order to vote, students needed to register weeks in advance.
On November 1, voting day, students needed to check in with election judges before casting a ballot. Some who did not register wanted to vote but could not.
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Cook County also gave District 218 real voting booths to use for the mock election to give the event the feel of the real thing.
Students chose Hillary Clinton (D) for president by a wide margin. Clinton received 594 of 915 votes, or 65% of the total; Donald Trump received 205 (22%); Gary Johnson of the Libertarian received 70 votes (8%); and, Jill Stein of the Green Party received 49 (5%).
Democrats won all other elections as well. Tammy Duckworth easily defeated Mark Kirk for U.S. Senator by a count of 552-259; Bobby Rush defeated August Deuser for U.S. Representative by count of 700-208; Dan Lipinski beat Ken McGraw in another U.S. Representative race 687-227; and, Susana Mendoza defeated Leslie Munger for Illinois Comptroller by a count of 591-186.
Finally, students voted predictably on a pair of non-binding referendum questions. They endorsed a free prom (779-142) and defeated a proposal that would require students to wear uniforms (697-217).
