News
The Youth Leadership Initiative concludes its 2014 National Mock Election!!
YLI concluded its 2014 National Mock Election at 5pm EST on November 4th. Beginning on October 20, 2014 was the first YLI Mock Election to run through Election Day. This allowed more teachers to participate in the annual event. Over 125,000 voters from 47 states and Washington, D.C. participated in state-wide races using the National Mock Election. The customization feature allowed voters to add local races and referendum to the National Ballot giving teachers flexibility in how to use the Mock Election.
To support races on the ballot YLI made Comparing the Candidates lesson plans for all states holding a gubernatorial race this fall. Several states such as Nevada and Virginia had lesson plans for U.S. House and Senate races. These special plans were the result of our partnership with the National Association of Secretaries of State and were requested by the offices of those states.
This year’s National Mock Election was another example of how YLI provides authentic learning experiences for civics and government teachers. Teachers appreciated many aspects of the Mock Election and had this to say about their experiences:
My students voted. Some for the first time. I have shared the resource with colleagues. They love that it is so easy. Thank you for continuing to serve our students. I have used this resource for many years and have found your site very helpful for introducing our young people to very important aspects of citizenship.
Thank You
Nancy Johnson
The students really got into this, and I like it that I will have the results I will have, but it could be somewhat of a let-down to a couple of classes that REALLY read about the candidates. It was so exciting, Meg!! You would have LOVED hearing their views on some of the really important issues. Some of them made ME reconsider my vote. The BEST part, they went home and discussed some of the issues with their parents. THEY were explaining candidate views to PARENTS!!! It was . . . a really nice moment as a teacher.
Don't get me wrong, there were still the some that could NOT care less about the election or voting or anything for that matter, but some were inspired. Great lessons!
Thank you!!!
Robin Haddox
I was going to email you once the dust settles, but I was SUPER impressed at your resources and online voting. It was the most user-friendly thing I have used in many years - it really was! I loved the instruction sheet, etc.
Traci Wernberg-Lemmon
For more information about YLI’s 2014 National Mock Election please email ylihelp@virginia.edu or call TOLL-FREE, 1.866.514.8389.
