Democracy and civil engagement are alive and well at Columbus St. Mary Magdalene School, where students cast their ballots and made their voices heard in an all-school election on Nov. 5.
The 266 students from pre-K through eighth grade voted on three important issues: new playground equipment, the theme for a dress down day and a special classroom snack.
Principal Leigh Kane charged teachers to teach about the electoral process in developmentally appropriate ways.
Middle school students learned about how the government operates, the legal process in order to vote, how bills become laws, the branches of government and the importance of exercising civic duty in social studies classes.
Elementary students learned about voting, elections and the issues that would be voted on.
Prepared with this information, students were ready to cast their ballots.
During the election, organized by middle school social studies teacher Fatima Alfaro and student council adviser Elba Martinez, students arrived at their polling place at designated times.
Greeted by an election official, students cast a paper or an electronic ballot. Choices were represented by images for younger voters and in Spanish as well as English, making voting accessible for all.
After voting, students proudly showed off their “I Voted” sticker provided by Kids Voting Ohio. This organization, which also provided the sample electronic ballot, is a “non-profit, non-partisan organization that serves Ohio schools through voter preparation and preparedness.”
“It’s been really fun partnering with Kids Voting Ohio the past three years,” Ms. Alfaro said. “Various government and civic standards are covered during the year, but it is always particularly fun and more impactful for students to practice casting their vote each November.
“For many of our students, they will be the first person or generation in their family that will be able to exercise the right to vote in the United States. That makes this all even more special for me!”
Ms. Alfaro has organized middle school elections in the past, but this was the first year the entire school was involved.
The excitement in the building about the school election was palpable. Students put a lot of thought into their decision making.
“When I was choosing what to vote for, I thought about what we (the school) needed,” fourth grader Jose Garcia said.
“It was difficult to decide what to choose,” Persia Vega, another fourth grader, added. “This was going to be my future.”
Results were tallied over two days by student council leadership before the final vote was shared during morning assembly to much applause and cheers.
“I’m happy with all of the results,” student Aylin Yadaicela said. “This felt like real voting.”
Ms. Alfaro said, “I feel that as much as it is a responsibility to accurately teach the past in social studies, there is also a responsibility to make sure our students are well informed citizens, understanding the value of their voices in their communities and their votes going forward.”
Mrs. Kane agreed. She hopes the experience will set the foundation for students to trust in the democratic process knowing that their vote matters.
