1. Contact: Amy Farrell
amy@generationnation.org
704‐343‐6999
Thousands of K‐12 students experience civics in action through Election 2013
While Charlotte‐Mecklenburg adults may be feeling a bit apathetic about this year’s election,
the community’s K‐12 students are eager to learn about local government and issues, get
involved in the process, and make their own voices heard.
Charlotte‐area students have the opportunity to experience Election 2013 and civics in action
through the Kids Voting mock election, a program of GenerationNation. This is the 21st year
GenerationNation (formerly known as Kids Voting Mecklenburg) has offered the non‐partisan
educational program in Charlotte. Over 32,000 students participated in Election 2011 activities,
and 100,000 in Election 2012.
In this year’s mock election, students study the candidates and issues and cast their own ballots
for mayor, school board, and other races. They’ll also weigh in on the CMS education bond and
a student referendum about civic issues: the Charlotte airport and voter identification. Results
of the student election are counted and announced after voting ends on November 5.
The mock vote is being offered through schools, youth programs and online October 22 through
November 5, and at designated polling places on November 1, November 2, and November 5.
LEARN MORE:
•
How to participate http://www.generationnation.org/index.php/election/election2013
•
Student candidate guide for Charlotte, towns and school board
http://generationnation.org/index.php/site/info/student‐candidate‐guide
•
Educational tools aligned to Common Core and social studies
http://generationnation.org/index.php/learn/entry/learning‐opportunity‐election‐2013
•
Student video Q and A with Patrick Cannon and Edwin Peacock, hosted by Youth Leadership
Alliance, the new youth council for Charlotte‐Mecklenburg (a program of GenerationNation
in partnership with the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and CMS).
http://generationnation.org/index.php/site/article/youth‐question‐candidates‐for‐mayor
About GenerationNation
GenerationNation is Charlotte’s champion for K‐12 civic education and youth civic leadership.
Smart, fun programs ‐ including K‐12 civic education, Kids Voting, Youth Civics and Youth Voice
Leadership Alliance ‐ tied to Common Core and NC social studies standards connect classroom
education with hands‐on experiences to build civic literacy and leadership from an early age.
For more information and to learn more visit www.GenerationNation.org.