Between Oct. 27 and Oct. 30, students at Meeker Middle School in Northeast Tacoma will have a chance to cast their vote in the 2008 election days before their parents—perhaps giving a glimpse of what might be in store for the state and the nation. Meeker and Browns Point Radio will join schools and stations in all 50 states, as well as across the world, in the National Student/Parent Mock Election, the largest nonpartison voter education project of its kind.
This is the first time Meeker has participated in the mock elections. Principal Kevin Ikeda said, “This is a way to help our students think globally and locally. It could be the next president who will determine what their future will be. This is a chance for students to examine real-life issues and help them think critically. In addition, it helpd them think about being responsible citizenship and becoming informed people. All our students will be involved, although the eighth graders will go more in depth studying about the electoral process.”
Voting online will take place at Meeker and makeshift voting booths will be set up in the library.
Browns Point Radio is partnering in this effort in hopes of inspiring today’s students to become lifelong voters. In the 2004 presidential election, less than half of young Americans ages 18 to 24 voted. Today, the country’s population of future voters younger than age 18 is larger than ever. If present trends continue, the majority of these youth will not go to the polls and vote.
“Our goal is to support our community and our democracy by engaging students and their families in the election process,” said Ken Moultrie, director of Browns Point Radio and a Meeker parent. “These students understand the importance of their vote and will carry that into adulthood. Partnering with Meeker Middle School has allowed us to help kids have a hands-on, real-life experience. The enthusiasm is contagious.”
Many mock campaign activities are already underway. Students are learning about the election process in the classroom, and recording “Get Out & Vote” public service announcements which will be airing on Browns Point Radio every hour through Election Day.
“It’s great to see the students take such an active role in their learning,” said Kevin Ikeda, principal of Meeker Middle School. “Kids are now discussing with parents the issues and the importance of voting. Kids might even be teaching their parents a thing or two about the election.”
In the 2004 National Student/Parent Mock Election, more than 4 million votes were cast. In the 2008 mock election, Browns Point Radio is proud that the students from Meeker will add to that impressive total.
“If we can play a role in helping our youth gain a greater understanding of their civic duties and how being involved makes our community stronger, then our station can feel good about doing our civic duty,” said Ken Moultrie.
Browns Point Radio is a local community radio station broadcasting locally on AM 1700 and streaming worldwide on its Web site at www.brownspointradio.com. Contact Ken Moultrie, director of Browns Point Radio, 206.354.0667, for more information.