Sunday, June 13, 2010

Pennsylvania Student Mock Election program

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
17120
SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY OF EDUCATION
June 1, 2010

Dear Educator:
On behalf of Governor Edward G. Rendell, we would like to invite you and your students to participate in the 2010 Pennsylvania Student Mock Election program. It will be conducted on Thursday October 28, 2010.
The program is held every two years and is intended to inform school age youth about the voting process by having them participate in a mock election. Students throughout the Commonwealth may vote for offices such as Governor, U.S. Senator and Representatives in Congress. In addition, they may vote on mock ballot questions that cover issues of interest to encourage participation. The program has been
well received over the years. For example, the 2008 mock election was a resounding success with more than 1,400 schools throughout the Commonwealth casting their votes for President. As part of the program we provide grade-specific teachers’ guides to assist teachers with incorporating the program into their curriculum. Participating schools report their election results directly over the Internet to the Pennsylvania Department of State. With the excitement of the upcoming general election, it is a great year to bring this unique educational tool to your school. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and encourage your teachers to participate in this program.
To begin the process, enclosed please find the 2010 Pennsylvania Student Mock Election Registration Form. If your school is interested in participating, please complete the registration form and return it by mail or fax to the Department of State as soon as possible but no later than October 1, 2010.
The address and fax number are noted on the form. If your school decides to participate, the Department of State will make the necessary information, such as grade specific ballots, election results reporting forms and instructions on how to report your results, available on our website, www.state.pa.us/mockelection.
More information on the program may be found at www.dos.state.pa.us/mockelection. If you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Lindsey Hock, Chief of the Division of Voter Registration, Department of State, at (717) 787-5280 or st-me@state.pa.us.
Thank you for considering the 2010 Pennsylvania Student Mock Election program as part of your curriculum. We look forward to your participation.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Weaver Thomas E. Gluck
Executive Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth Acting Secretary of Education