This past Tuesday, was an important day for politics in our nation and here at Amador as well. November 6, 2018 was midterm election day in the U.S. and the students of Amador were able to get involved in the elections through a school mock election.

Mr. Scherer, the Amador librarian, worked with the Amador social studies department, to create a “fake”, but realistic ballot that reflected major issues on this year’s real ballot. All students were encouraged to participate in this mock election by voting on a number of California propositions as well as political positions ranging from U.S. Senator to the mayor of Pleasanton.

Mr. Scherer and the social studies department put much effort into the organization of the mock election here at Amador in hopes that students will be better prepared in their future of political voting.

“We do [the mock election] so students understand how much work it takes in order to be an informed citizen. Hopefully, students take the information they learn and lead interesting conversations in class and at the dinner table at home,” said AV Librarian, Mr. Scherer.

To make it that more realistic to the real midterm elections, every student who participated in the mock election received the recognizable “I voted” sticker.

For many students, this mock election was their first exposure to the world of political voting, and many students stressed the importance of practicing voting at an early age.

“It teaches students to be informed citizens rather than just voting for surface level thoughts and only voting based on party. So it helps students do actual research before voting,” said Pranav Datta (20’).

  With the current political turmoil and division in our nation, it is now more important than ever for the next generation to get out and vote.

“Students must be prepared for their civil duty as a citizen of the United States, to be prepared to exercise their right to vote,” said Catherine Murphy (20’).

The Amador mock election helped educate students on the political happenings in the U.S. that many are often ignorant to.

“I don’t [pay attention to politics], but I do research when I have to. But in my day to day life, I don’t pay attention to that,” said Datta.

With both the midterm election results and the Amador mock election votes in, we can see both similarities and differences between the two elections.

With the key political figures, Amador’s results matched California’s results in all positions except State Superintendent. In Amador’s election, Tony Thurmond won State Superintendent, however, in the real midterm election, opponent Marshall Tuck won.

In the state propositions there were more differences between Amador’s and California’s results. Amador and California’s results agreed for no on Prop 6, the repeal of the gas tax, no on Prop 10, more rental control, and yes on Prop 12, for farm animals confinement standards. However, their results differed on Prop 3, the bond for water and environmental projects, and Prop 7, the change on daylight savings time period. Amador’s majority said yes on Prop 3 and no on Prop 7. Whereas, California’s majority said no on Prop 3 and yes on Prop 7.

With the future of our country resting in the hands of our youth, the Amador mock election could not have come at a better time.