Schools navigate challenges with mock elections amid polarized political climate

Schools across the country are facing a new challenge this year as they navigate the complexities of teaching civics education in a politically charged environment. Mock elections, a long-standing tradition in schools, are being approached with caution as educators grapple with how to introduce students to the concept of voting in a divisive political climate.

Jessica Graham, a high school social studies teacher in Waterville, Maine, has shifted the focus of voting for her students, framing it as “a way of caring for your community” rather than “getting involved in politics.” This change comes as many students express wariness about voting due to the increasingly divided discourse in national politics.

New laws governing how schools teach history, civics, and controversial topics have created a “chilling effect” on teachers, according to Emma Humphries, the chief education officer at iCivics. The trend towards extreme partisanship has made discussing elections and candidates a more delicate matter in the classroom.

Despite these challenges, educators are finding creative ways to engage students in the voting process. Ryan Werenka, a social studies teacher in Troy, Michigan, uses mock elections as an opportunity to teach students about voting procedures and ballot formats. In Indiana, the mock election is being combined with a voter registration drive for older high school students in an effort to boost engagement and counter low voter turnout rates.

Chuck Dunlap, president and CEO of the Indiana Bar Foundation, emphasizes the importance of making voting and voter registration universal, bipartisan, and nonpartisan. As schools navigate the complexities of teaching civics in a politically charged environment, finding ways to engage students in the democratic process remains a top priority.

For more information on voting and civic engagement, check out Axios’ article on where and how college students can vote.