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During early voting and on election day, K-12 students across North Carolina had an opportunity to practice voting and participate in the democratic process.
Using First Vote NC — EdNC’s award-winning, online, simulated election experience — future voters pulled out their cell phones, opened their laptops or tablets, or used desktop “voting booths” to cast their ballots in the 2024 General Election.
This year, we invited all K-12 students regardless of their education setting — homeschools, private schools, charter schools, and local public schools — to participate in First Vote NC. Younger participants were encouraged to consult a parent, caregiver, teacher, faith leader, civic leader, or other grown up if they needed help casting their vote.
Students in 76 of North Carolina’s 100 counties cast 1,734 ballots.
First Vote NC was recognized nationally in fall 2018 when it received an American Civic Collaboration Award (known as the Civvys).
How did the students vote?
For President, the students elected Donald Trump.
For Governor, the students elected Josh Stein.
For Lieutenant Governor, the students elected Hal Weatherman.
For Attorney General, the students elected Jeff Jackson.
For Auditor, the students elected Jessica Holmes.
For Commissioner of Agriculture, the students elected Steve Troxler.
For Commissioner of Insurance, the students elected Mike Causey.
For Commissioner of Labor, the students elected Luke Farley.
For Secretary of State, the students elected Chad Brown.
For Superintendent of Public Instruction, the students elected Mo Green.
For Treasurer, the students elected Brad Briner.
For the N.C. Supreme Court, the students elected Allison Riggs.
The students elected three Republicans to the N.C. Court of Appeals: Tom Murry, Valerie Zachary, and Chris Freeman.
What did the students think of the First Vote NC experience?
In exit polls, students used adjectives to describe their voting experience, including cool, great, amazing, interesting, fun, realistic, awesome, and even joyful.
But they also indicated that voting can be scary and stressful. Many said they needed to know more about the candidates they were asked to vote for.
Here are some of the comments students left us:
“A great opportunity for students to learn about voting.”
“I’m so excited because I got to see how voting really feels, and it feels good and exciting.”
“It’s a nice way to get into the world of politics.”
“Participating in this was an incredible experience! It truly made me feel heard.”
“I believe this is a good platform to educate students about how voting and election ballots work. This also helps get young people engaged in civic duties.”
“It helps to demystify the voting process and participation in democracy.”
“First Vote NC has been extremely helpful in today’s society by preparing the youth for the future. I would definitely recommend this to a younger friend or family member.”
“As a teacher, I believe First Vote NC is a fantastic program because it engages students in the democratic process and promotes civic awareness. If provides them with hands-on voting experience, helping them understand the importance of participation in elections and the impact of their choices. This practical exposure is a positive way to foster lifelong habits of informed voting and civic responsibility, empowering students to be active, knowledgeable citizens.”
Thank you to all the teachers, parents, caregivers, faith leaders, civic leaders and other adults across North Carolina who helped students participate in First Vote NC.
