In this portfolio, you will hold a mock (pretend) election. The election will be for the post of mayor in an imaginary town that faces challenges related to crime, education, and the condition of its roads and bridges.
How to conduct your simulated election
Select the link below to find the candidate profiles. If you are connected to a printer, you can print them and distribute. If you do not have a printer, you can hand-copy the information and pass it around.
Make sure that as many of your friends and family get to see them as possible.
Ask them to consider each candidate’s positions on the issues, and then pick the one they would vote for. Try to get at least 10 votes.
Hold an exit poll by asking voters why they chose the candidate they did.
Tally the votes (see tally sheet sample below) and declare a winner. If none of the candidates gets a majority of the votes, hold a run-off election.
Candidate Profiles:
Candidate A:
- Prioritizes investing in community policing to reduce crime rates
- Advocates for increasing funding for education programs to improve schools
- Proposes a comprehensive plan to repair and maintain roads and bridges in the town
Candidate B:
- Supports implementing new technology and data-driven strategies to address crime in the town
- Believes in increasing teacher salaries and providing resources for students to improve education
- Plans to work with state and federal partners to secure funding for infrastructure projects
Candidate C:
- Promises to crack down on gang activity and drug trade to decrease crime in the town
- Wants to establish vocational training programs and increase access to quality education for all students
- Commits to prioritizing road and bridge repairs to ensure the safety of residents and commuters
Tally Sheet Sample:
Candidate A: 5 votes
Candidate B: 3 votes
Candidate C: 2 votes
Based on the votes, Candidate A wins the mock election.
Remember, the purpose of this exercise is to engage in a thoughtful discussion about the issues facing our imaginary town and to consider the different solutions proposed by the candidates. Have fun with your mock election and enjoy the process of debating and voting for the candidate you believe will best address the town's challenges.