Mounties Learn Why Every Vote Counts at Election Fair

The Sister Lisa Gambacorto Theater was a sea of red, white and blue on Tuesday morning and afternoon as Mounties deepened their understanding of voting rights history and the election process during our second annual Election Fair. The event, was organized by Joanne Cadigan-Peters (Social Studies Department Chairperson), our Civic Engagement Club members, and students from our AP U.S. Government and Politics classes.

 

Students offered presentations about how an election works, what happens on Election Day, how to register to vote, the difference between local, state, and federal elections as well as general and primary elections, youth engagement for first-time voters and how to participate as a student under 18 years of age, the elections in New York City and New Jersey, local and national issues, and the role of the Mount's Civic Engagement Club. Information was also provided about polls, political parties, changes in laws, redistricting, ballot reform, important court cases, PACS, Super PACs, how campaigns raise money, the role of the media in political campaigns, voting rights, misinformation and media literacy/fact-checking, and much more.

 

There was even a Historical Elections Game based on elections in 1800, 1976, and 2000, and Students had mini-elections about winter versus spring uniforms and Twilight's Jacob Black versus Edward Cullen. Students signed a "Pledge to Vote" and posted pledges such as "I pledge to encourage others to vote," "I pledge to raise funds for political figures," and "I pledge to participate in community service."

Mrs. Cadigan-Peters said, "Today we celebrated our democracy and the power of voting at our Second Annual Election Fair. Students got creative with mock voting, interactive games, and presentations on AI and disinformation, all while sharing informative insights with their classmates."