There are a number of possibilities for participation in the Mock Election, from becoming an official sponsor of a school to providing news coverage of Mock Election events. The earlier you get involved, the more opportunity to offer your community support.

First Steps

• Become an official community sponsor by establishing agreements with your local schools, school districts or other community groups.
• The schools, school districts or community groups (i.e. Boy Scouts or Girl Scout troops) must register at www.nationalmockelection.org or by using the "Enroll Now" option found in the Tools for Broadcasters box on this Web page.
• Upon registration, a state coordinator or other Mock Election representative will be in contact will additional information.
• After you have established a partnership with a class, school or district, send out a press release to foster additional community support.

On the Air

• Contribute public service announcements to alert educators, students and parents to the opportunity to join millions of students and parents across the country and around the world in the Mock Election.
• Host a student essay or PSA competition about the importance of voting. Air winning entries before the election to drive voter turnout.
• Use your election coverage and public affairs programs as the springboard for student/parent discussions of national issues prior to the Mock Election.
• Invite local Mock Election organizers and students to appear as guests for panel discussions and interview shows.
• Provide news coverage of Mock Election activities, including mock rallies, town hall meetings and debates. Consider a live broadcast that involves the students.
• Help to organize and publicize local Mock Election television and radio contests and recognize students who turn in winning entries.

At the Station

• Invite selected students to observe newscasters in candidate interviews and to participate in panels for such interviews.
• Use your station’s Web site to promote Mock Election activities. Add an information page with directions on how to participate, provide free banner advertisements, or host a Web cast to allow students to discuss political issues.
• Work with your local school superintendents and/or state Department of Education to plan a community effort, including private and parochial schools and civic organizations.

At the School/ In the Community

• Have station personnel give a school presentation on the media’s role in the political process. Topics could include how newscasters prepare for interviews, how press conferences are conducted, or a behind the scenes glimpse on campaign coverage.
• Organize a voter registration drive in tandem with mock voter registration activities. Contact your local board of elections for procedures on registering community members to vote.
• Encourage local citizenship education and Mock Election activities with station fairs, polls and career education opportunities for future journalists.
• Sponsor a "Pass On the Importance of the Vote" parade. Send on-air personalities to march with the students or air live segments from the event.
• Distribute a student vote pledge contract, a certificate through which students pledge to vote when they come of age, with your station’s logo. Offer prizes to the class that turns in the most certificates.
• Work with local social studies teachers and administrators to design classroom activities that support the Mock Election and incorporate the role of radio and television in the political process.