Santa Fe has been hosting mock elections for over twenty years, allowing students to participate in the political event despite mostly not being of age to vote. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors participated in the event. Kamala Harris won the mock election with 200 votes compared to 137 for Donald Trump.
AP Government and Civil & Criminal Law teacher KC Williams played a part in organizing the mock election. Williams believes having a mock election every presidential election is important for the student body.
“I feel like we need to have a mock election every four years to get students involved, student voices should be heard and oftentimes they’re overlooked,” Williams said. “I think the public should be allowed to hear your voices because you guys are an integral part of society.”
AP Government teacher Jaqueline Bessinger also helped organize the election.
“I think it’s important because the majority of our population at this moment can’t vote,” Bessinger said. “I think it could potentially be indicative of what’s to come here at the local level in Edmond.”
Bessinger explains the mock election can also prepare students for life after high school.
“I think that it helps students to get used to having potentially difficult conversations,” Bessinger said. “When you have difficult conversations, the goal is hopefully people start finding a way towards agreement on certain things that maybe they wouldn’t have.”
Williams explains that despite political differences, having a mock election gives students the ability to see different perspectives.
“I’m going to tell you right now that the student body makes me a better person because I don’t always agree and I don’t want students to agree with me,” Williams said. “But when you walk out of that classroom, you’re able to think on your own and go I can like the person and disagree with the view.”
Students also have different viewpoints on the mock election. Senior Karissa Cobb participated in the election and believes it has been beneficial.
“I believe that everyone’s opinion should be heard and valued in our community,” Cobb said. “The mock election is beneficial for high school students as it allows us to practice the democratic process in a similar style to the actual election.”
Cobb explains the mock election gives an outlet to students.
“It’s important to allow teenagers an outlet as we are the next generation of voters and it’s better to start educating ourselves now rather than later,” Cobb said. “I do believe we should continue the mock elections for the years to follow, many students voted and seemed excited to vote as well.”
As the school years go on, Santa Fe students and staff will be looking forward to participating in the mock elections to come.
