Principals' Memo #1018-12

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Education

October 9, 2012

TO:  Principals

FROM:  Linda M. Wallinger, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

SUBJECT:  National Student Mock Election

The Pearson Foundation is combining two initiatives to involve U.S. students before, during, and after this fall’s national election with a new program, the My Voice National Student Mock Election.  The My Voice National Student Mock Election builds on the National Student/Parent Mock Election, which reached over 5 million students in 2008, and on My Voice, a student centered dialogue about school culture.

This year the My Voice National Student Mock Election is facilitating comprehensive online voting leading up to the federal and state 2012 elections.  Students, working with their teachers and parents, can:

1. Take part in online, interactive polls centered on opinions and concerns about selected   national topics, social issues, education, and their communities.  These anonymous polls will appear online, in social media, and via mobile channels.
2. Cast their votes in a large national mock election.  Voting starts on October 25 and culminates on National Mock Election day, November 1, in advance of the federal election.
3. Share ideas after the election about what issues matter most to them in 2013 and beyond.

To learn more about National Student Mock Election visit www.nationalmockelection.org or send an e-mail to MyElection@pearsonfoundation.org.

For further information, please contact Ginny Kirkland, school outreach and government relations coordinator, Pearson Foundation, by e-mail at ginny.kirkland@pearsonfoundation.org or by telephone at (678) 403-2779.

LMW/BT/pk