Lincoln students cast ballots in mock election

Student Vote gives grades 4–12 hands-on voting experience

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — With Election Day just one week away, thousands of Lincoln students had the opportunity to cast their ballots Tuesday as part of a mock election designed to teach young people about the voting process.

Lincoln Public Schools held its biennial Student Vote event on Oct. 27, giving students in fourth through 12th graders the chance to participate in an election using ballots similar to those Nebraska voters will see on Nov. 3.

At Lincoln Northeast High School, students visited a polling place set up inside the school’s media center, where student volunteers helped guide their classmates through the voting process.

“I think that the student vote is important because it shows that the student’s voices matter and it also helps them practice for what their upcoming elections will be,” said Ava Wyman, a freshman at Lincoln Northeast.

The Student Vote program began in 1992 and has been held every two years alongside the November General Election.

Before casting their ballots, students learned about the candidates, their political parties and the issues appearing on the ballot. At Lincoln Northeast, students discussed the election in their classes and conducted research to better understand the candidates and their positions.

Lena Weiland, a freshman at Lincoln Northeast, said participating in the mock election helped her feel more prepared for the future.

“I think it just makes me more experienced and makes me actually know what I’m doing when I actually go to a ballot,” Weiland said.

Students also had the opportunity to help organize and facilitate the election.

Wyman was among the volunteers assisting classmates as they arrived at the polling place.

“So what we’re doing here is we’re facilitating and helping students vote. So we kind of like lead them and tell them what they’re going to do and we answer any questions that they may have,” Wyman said.

The program extends beyond Lincoln Northeast, with students across Lincoln Public Schools participating.

A total of 20,314 students cast ballots in this year’s mock election.

Results released Tuesday afternoon showed Dan Osborn receiving 67% of the student vote in the U.S. Senate race, compared to 33% for Pete Ricketts.

In the governor’s race, Lynne Walz received 57% of the vote, while Jim Pillen received 43%.

Students also voted in Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District race and on a proposed constitutional amendment concerning legislative term limits.

Full results from the mock election are available through Lincoln Public Schools.