Students at several Douglas County School System schools learned about how voting works and the importance of casting their votes ahead of Tuesday’s election.
At South Douglas Elementary, Principal Brad Corbett read the story “Duck for President” to students at the school and explained the importance of the right to vote.
Students then visited the Media Center Poll Precinct to vote for Farmer Brown or Duck for president.
Media Specialist Ana Leibbrand said students showed their ID badge to receive a ballot card, then took turns sitting at a computer to cast their votes. After voting, they received a real Georgia voter sticker.
Leibbrand reports that Duck was the overwhelmingly favorite among SDES students, garnering 68% of the vote.
At Chapel Hill Elementary, students had a slightly different decision, choosing between The
Smart Cookie and the Dog Man for “library president.”
Media Specialist Cameron Sheldon even created platforms for both candidates and displayed other book characters in the media center “campaigning” for the two candidates.
As students entered the media center, they handed their voter registration cards showing that they are “residents” of CHES to poll workers made up of fourth and fifth graders from the news crew as well as ambassadors and Junior Beta students.
Poll workers scanned and stamped the registration card and then students went to computers to cast their votes. After voting, students took a photo with plush renditions of both candidates and got their Georgia voter sticker.
“I like it because younger kids don’t get to vote,” said fourth-grader Duncan Keith, who served as a poll worker. “And I like it because it feels like you can say what you want to say, just like the older people.”
Sheldon reports that Dog Man is the new CHES Library President, edging The Smart Cookie by 23 votes out of 703 votes cast.
Arbor Station Elementary students participated in the Student Council election in the media center a few weeks ago. Principal Dr. Emily Felton facilitated a fair voting environment with voting partitions and “No Campaigning” signs. After casting their ballots, each voter received an “I secured my vote” sticker like the stickers given at the polls.
“The Station's students are learning all about exercising their right to Vote and Civic Duty,” Felton said.
At Chestnut Log Middle and Factory Shoals Middle schools, students voted for President of the 
United States and other candidates during mock elections that simulated the entire voting process.
Chestnut Log Media Specialist April Olorunfemi said students in social science classes learned about the power of democracy and the role that voting citizens play in local and federal elections.
CLMS eighth-grade Georgia Studies teacher Tanisha Matthews said her students are learning about the Constitution and the historical importance of voting. Matthews said she hopes students remember the experience as an opportunity to ask questions and seek answers for themselves.
“I think voting is important because it’ll be a great experience to prepare ourselves for the future,” Chestnut Log eighth grader Journee Samuel said.
At Factory Shoals Middle, eighth graders researched national issues and determined whether presidential candidates were in support or opposed. Students also shared their opinions about the issues, leading to some spirited debate, said eighth grade social studies teacher Dr. Justin Barlow.
After students decided which candidate matched their views, they cast their votes.
“While none of the student votes will count in the real election, students enjoyed participating in the process and learned the importance of researching the issues and preparing to be good citizens by voting on election day,” Barlow said.
FSMS seventh grade Georgia Studies teacher Keturah Auguste said her students simulated the 
entire voting process, from registering as voters to casting ballots. Student candidates prepared campaign speeches, which they delivered to peers, and answered questions. Auguste’s students also took on roles as voter helpers and election organizers, creating a realistic environment with voting booths, ballots and registration cards.
“After evaluating the candidates on their platforms and speeches, students cast their votes and discussed the importance of civic participation,” Auguste said. “The activity concluded with a reflective essay on the significance of voting and its impact on society, fostering a hands-on understanding of democratic processes and civic responsibility.”