Pennsylvania Secretary of State Encourages Schools to Support National Student/Parent Mock Election Program

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés today joins fellow members of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) in encouraging schools to participate in the National Student/Parent Mock Election (NSPME) program.

"Parents and teachers have a responsibility to educate young citizens about their voting rights and the importance of participating fully in our democracy," Secretary Cortés said. "This vital aspect of civics education will ensure a more informed electorate in the years ahead."

The National Student/Parent Mock Election is a non-profit, non-partisan program that inspires students and their parents to realize the power of their vote by allowing them to actively participate in mock elections.  Founded in 1980, the organization currently has over 20,000 schools that participate and up to 5 million participants during presidential election years. 

On October 17, instructions and balloting materials will be available at nationalmockelection.org.  Participating schools will also be able to begin practice voting on October 17.  Actual voting begins on October 24 and continues through November 3, National Mock Election Day.   

Interested educators can find comprehensive program information and teacher guides at nationalmockelection.org.  The guides, updated for 2016, offer discussion points on the issues of Democracy, Immigration, the Economy, and Liberty and Justice For All.  The curriculum also offers special emphasis on civil discourse.

Sixty national civic, educational, religious, and business organizations serve as cooperating organizations and partners, including the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation and the PTA.  In addition, the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals are also supporting the mock election project.

To participate, register online at nationalmockelection.org.  For more information, contact Gloria Kirshner, president of National Student/Parent Mock Election, by email at [email protected].

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us