Dadeville Elementary students take part in the election process

By Dale Liesch | Dadeville Record

Originally published 11:15 a.m., November 6, 2008
Updated 11:15 a.m., November 6, 2008

While the majority of the United States chose Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, Dadeville Elementary School students felt Sen. John McCain would’ve been a better choice.

After spending time learning about both of the presidential candidates, students lined up, signed their names and filled out a ballot in a mock election Tuesday.

After members of the Parent Teacher Organization counted each of the ballots, McCain won in a close race 225-211.

Tammy Farr, PTO secretary, said the idea behind the mock election was to allow the students to feel like they were making a decision with the rest of the country.

“They feel like they’re grown up,” Farr said. “They feel as if they are their parents.”

Linda Andrews, PTO communications officer, said the students also got a lesson in election rules as all the classes kindergarten through fourth grade participated.

“We make them tell us their name, they receive a ballot and go into the voting booth,” Andrews said. “They even receive a sticker when they are done.”

Volunteer Rhonda Nelson added she believes the lesson was important because it could result in the habit of voting later in life.

“I think it helps them learn the importance of voting,” Nelson said. “We hope that if they start early they will be good citizens and vote when it actually counts.”