Poplar Bluff High School has continued its long-standing tradition of providing students a realistic voting experience, despite some school systems reportedly getting away from hosting mock elections due to the polarization of politics.

Students and staff were given the opportunity on Tuesday, Oct. 29, to cast their votes on sample ballots designed to mirror that of Butler County for next week’s general election at designated “precincts” set up in the auxiliary gym.

“We feel strongly about providing kids that comfortability while exposing them to the process, and I am appreciative of Dr. [Valerie] Ivy being so supportive of us making it as authentic as possible,” said social studies teacher Gail Rosmarin of her building principal. “We’re not here to sway voters, only to give them tools so they’re hopefully informed enough to critically choose between the candidates or the amendments.”

Members of the Social Studies Department recently participated in professional development and learned that other Missouri schools had decided to cover the democratic process in theory rather than practice, Rosmarin mentioned. Beginning in 1996, PBHS hosted a mock presidential general election every four years so that each student would gain some exposure prior to graduation.

AP students were responsible for tallying votes by hand in Kimberly Clark’s classroom. The teacher said she felt it was important not to move to an electronic system so students can learn about some of the issues that come up such as ineligible handwriting or multiple boxes incorrectly being filled out. 

“I tell them it might not mean everything this time, but the next presidential cycle they may be in college, have families or jobs,” Clark said. “They’re used to us giving them the answer, and I think this is one of the first times we provide them the information to educate themselves and form their own opinions.”

In preparation, students use online tools in history class such as Ballotpedia or ISideWith to help identify which political party they align with based on where they stand on a host of issues including the economy, climate, health care, immigration and social justice. Dual credit students conduct exit polling afterward to analyze trends, according to faculty member Dr. Stephanie Lovette.

“Based on early exit polling data, the majority are making decisions according to personal research as opposed to being influenced by others or social media, and that gives me hope for the country really,” Lovette said. “Civil dialogue, independent thinking and the ability to conduct research are so important, because we do have controversial questions on the ballot, and we can’t shy away from these difficult conversations.”

A registration drive was coordinated simultaneously for students who will be eligible to vote on Election Day. Volunteering to assist, Law Summers, a senior government student who turned 18 earlier this year, will be voting for his first president. He watched the recent debates, he noted, and joked how the vice-presidential candidates “actually agreed on something.”

“It’s the whole experience; to be a part of a national outcome, knowing that the higher ups [in government] affect everything you do… so if you vote for the wrong person,” Law said with pause. “Every vote counts, even if Missouri may already be decided.”

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Cutline: Students fill out sample ballots designed to replicate Butler County’s upcoming general election on Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the auxiliary gym.