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What is the Mock Election?

The National Student/Parent Mock Election is the largest voter education project in the country. It is designed to teach students and their parents about the voting process and the benefits of civic participation by involving them in realistic simulations of all aspects of the electoral process. In the last general election, more than 6 million elementary, middle school and high school students and some of their parents cast votes for national and state candidates and voiced their opinions on several important social problems facing America.

What does the Mock Election do?

The Mock Election makes students aware of the power of their ballot by actively involving them in a full-fledged campaign and national election. The Mock Election Issues Forum, printed by The New York Times and distributed to more than 94,000 schools, broadens students' understanding of essential U.S. social and economic issues. Students will vote on these issues as well as on state and national candidates. The Mock Election's curriculum materials instruct students about the electoral process, promote discussion of key issues in national campaigns and prepare them to take part in the Mock Election. Students learn what it takes to become an educated voter.

Who can participate?

Students of all ages from kindergarten through high school and their parents and grandparents are allowed to participate and vote. Students participate in debates, issue forums, press conferences, candidate nights, rallies and inaugural balls as part of the Mock Election in their school. On Mock Election Day, November 2 -- five days before the General Election -- millions of students and their parents will watch coverage from Election Central and state election headquarters around the country as the votes are tallied and winners announced.

What does the Mock Election cost?

The Mock Election is a nonpartisan, federally funded project run by thousands of volunteers. All of its curriculum and services are provided to schools free of charge.

How are kids involved?

Young people of all ages take part in planning and staging events in their schools. At the national level, outstanding young people from every state serve on a National Youth Executive Board that sets policy and directs activities. The "Playground" feature of the Mock Election's website (www.mockelection2000.net) offers games, puzzles, quizzes and contests for middle school and younger children. Two other features -- Spotlight on Youth and the Youth Issues Forum-give older students a chance to state their opinions and get involved.