On November 5, 2024, Americans from across the country went to the polls to choose the future leaders of our country. On the same day, Breck held a smaller, but equally important “mock election” to help drive civic engagement within the entire student body (Preschoolers to Seniors).
Before election day, Voterama held elections in the lower and middle schools. The ballot included questions about what to name the lower school fish tank, what flavor of infused water should be served at lunch, and what political issues were most important to them. The reaction from both divisions was overwhelmingly positive, and students expressed their excitement for the opportunity to let their voices be heard.
In the Upper School, students had four questions on the ballot: which issue is most important to you, should ranked choice voting be implemented, should money from the Minnesota lottery be used to fund environmental conservation efforts, and the hugely controversial lunch line question. Students were left to decide if, for the next two years on Fridays, underclassmen would be given priority in the lunch line—a shocking policy if implemented.
The results of these elections were then announced on Friday at assembly. Students voted that climate change was the most important issue to them, followed closely by the economy and reproductive health. Ranked choice voting was overwhelmingly approved, and Breck students were in favor of using lottery funds to protect the environment. Finally, the lunch line change was resoundingly rejected, and upperclassmen will continue to eat first.
While most Breck students are not yet old enough to vote, Voterama’s mock election provided an opportunity for students to prepare to exercise their voting rights. Research shows that young, civically engaged people tend to continue voting for the rest of their lives, leading to a government that is more representative of the people’s desires.