While November 7th is the date most North Carolina counties will hold 2017 local general elections, a few were held on October 10th. Pasquotank High School in Elizabeth City was one of five schools across North Carolina that participated in First Vote NC’s October local election simulation. First Vote aims to motivate students to become civically engaged and demystify the voting process.
Students voted using their iPhones and Android devices.
Their ballots looked like “real” ballots with local races, but also included 10 issue-specific questions.
The issue-based questions help students understand the role of local government in their lives and weigh in on important issues.
Results of the issue-based questions may be compared to participating schools across the state.
And can be explored using exit poll data.
Students have an opportunity to be part of a meaningful critical thinking exercise exploring how issues like gender, geography, and race affect our perspectives.
Eighty-seven schools from across North Carolina have signed up to participate in the 2017 First Vote NC local elections.
The deadline to sign up to participate in the November 7th election cycle is October 16th. Schools can sign up here.
