November 5th 2024.
For over five decades, Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Michigan has been accurately predicting the winner of the US presidential election. This tradition began in 1972 and has become a highly anticipated event for both students and staff. Each election year, students take on the responsibility of researching candidates and issues, going through the process of casting their ballots in a mock election. Although this vote doesn't officially count, it still holds significant value and is worth paying attention to.
On Monday, government and economics teacher Kellie Howe shared her excitement for the day's mock election, stating that it has become a beloved tradition for every presidential election. This year marks their 13th mock election, and the school has taken great measures to make it as authentic as possible. Students are required to check in and present a photo ID, just like in a real voting precinct. This process is not only meant to look and feel like the real thing, but also to instill the importance of their voices being heard in the democratic process.
Seniors Sophie Gable and Spencer Werner are both enrolled in the government class and have taken on the responsibility of ensuring that the school's precinct is voter-ready. They both understand the significance of their votes and the impact it can have on their country. Gable emphasizes the importance of their voices being heard, regardless of their age, stating, "We are just as important in this country as someone who is 65." Werner credits their teacher for helping them understand the significance of researching candidates and their promises for the country before casting their vote. Both students express their appreciation for the mock election, as it gives them a chance to practice and feel confident in their voting abilities.
All students and staff have the opportunity to cast their ballots for president, senator, and one local issue, mirroring the real ballot. Howe explains that in their social studies classes, they discuss the election and watch the many ads and signs that flood the media and streets. However, the students don't truly feel involved until they can physically cast their vote. This sense of involvement and responsibility is what makes the mock election so valuable to the students and staff of Seaholm High School.
When asked what factors contribute to the school's remarkable accuracy in predicting the outcome of the presidential election, Howe credits the diverse demographic of their community. The school pulls students from various areas such as Birmingham, Bloomfield, Southfield, and Troy, giving them a wide range of perspectives and opinions. Principal Michael Wicker, who was once a student at Seaholm High School during the 2000 election, also believes that this year's election has gained more mainstream media attention.
As the mock election results were released on Monday, it was revealed that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz received 56.6% of the votes for president and vice president, while Donald Trump and JD Vance received 46.1%. In the US Senate race, Elissa Slotkin received 52.9% of the votes, while Mike Rogers received 46.1%. Principal Wicker, who cast his own mock ballot, is confident that the school will continue their streak of accurately predicting the winner, stating, "We're not going to break the streak, not in my first year as principal." Howe remains curious to see if the contentious nature of this year's election will play a factor in their accuracy, stating, "Will we be right, will we be wrong?"
Overall, the mock election at Seaholm High School serves as a valuable learning experience for students, preparing them for the real thing and instilling the importance of their voices being heard in the democratic process. It is a tradition that has stood the test of time and has become a beloved event for all those involved. So, will the school continue their streak of accurately predicting the winner? Only time will tell.
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