The Mock Election: Understanding the Electoral College
By Phyllis Naegeli
1 "Are you nervous?" asked Julie as Meghan sat down next to her on the bus.
2 "I'm a little nervous," said Meghan quietly. "I really want to win. But, I think it's going to be close. Billy Doan is so popular."
3 "He is popular. But, so are you," said Julie, trying to encourage Meghan. "You have a great slogan - ‘Vote for ME! Meghan Edwin for President.'"
4 Meghan sighed deeply. "A good slogan doesn't win an election, though."
5 "Well, you gave a great campaign speech," said Julie. "I could never do that! I flopped the oral report we did on voting. I was so nervous. But, you did great. Then you spoke to the whole school! Everyone liked your speech."
6 "Thanks. I was nervous for the voting report. After that, it was easier. But, I was still nervous speaking in front of the whole school!" said Meghan. "This whole mock election has been fun. If I'm going to be president of the United States someday, I sure need to learn a lot."
7 "I think you'll make a great president. Today, you will win and be president of our school. In a few years, you'll run for president of the United States. Hey, maybe I can be your campaign manager!"
8 "What a great idea!" said Meghan.
9 A few minutes later, the bus pulled in front of the school. "We're here!" said Julie.
10 The girls got off the bus and walked to their classroom. The day was a flurry of activity. In class, the students filled out voter registration cards. Then they went to the gymnasium to vote for their choice for president. The gym was decorated with posters, streamers, and balloons. In the middle of the floor were real voting booths that the city had loaned them.
11 "Wow, this is great," said Julie. "I feel like I'm eighteen already!"
12 "Too bad we have to wait until then to vote," said Meghan.
1 "Are you nervous?" asked Julie as Meghan sat down next to her on the bus.