By VALERIE KROEGER
Media Contact, Office of the Indiana Secretary of State

Secretary of State Connie Lawson is encouraging students, educators and parents to participate in National Student/Parent Mock Election.

National Mock Election, a 34 year-old nationwide tradition credited with helping millions of people better understand democracy, will take place on Oct. 30 and is open to students of all ages.

NSPME appointed Lawson as state coordinator and she is working to recruit students of all ages throughout Indiana to enroll in the mock election.

“We must teach our young people the importance of civic engagement from an early age,” said Lawson. “Students need to learn why we elect our leaders and how their vote has the ability to impact decisions made in their community. By teaching students that elections are decided by those that show up, we can influence the next generation of voters to participate in the process.”

The National Mock Election gives students from kindergarten to advanced placement/college levels a chance to learn, through simulated experience, about democracy and the voting process.

National Mock Election provides resources and curriculum guides for teachers to hold activities such as debates and school campaigns.

Student voters will be able to cast their vote for candidates running for Congress in Indiana. The NSPME provides free resources, suggested activities and curriculum guides for teachers. NSPME also partners with respected civics and education groups to award schools that make the most of their mock election experience.

Teachers and parents can access resources and enroll in the mock election program at www.nationalmockelection.org/enroll-now. You can also learn more about the NSPME at www.nationalmockelection.org or on its Facebook page.