The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation is a proud sponsor of the National Student/Parent Mock Election. Our role is to encourage stations to participate in this project. Station coverage of area school mock elections underscores the importance of voting, especially to a young student. It is also great for stations, offering you community exposure while fulfilling your public interest obligations.

We have created this web site Tool Kit to make it easy for you to begin. We also want to highlight your station efforts by clicking the "Tell Us Your Story" link and e-mailing us details.. Please let us know of your great efforts to build future voters!

It’s a Win-Win Opportunity

Getting involved with the Mock Election provides your station an opportunity to:

• Strengthen your station's profile in the community;
• Provide a public service that engages multiple generations in the election process;
• Help inspire students to become future lifelong voters;
• Dovetail efforts to turn up voter education and turnout for the real national elections; and
• Keep your community informed of your station’s commitment to supporting local and national interests.

It Builds Future Voters

America has the lowest rate of voter participation of any of the world’s democracies. There are more than 70 million Americans younger than age 18 today, the largest generation of young people in our country’s history. If present trends continue, most of these children and youth will not go to the polls and vote when they are of age.

In the wake of the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, the patriotism of young Americans has exploded with an unexpected poignancy. Now is the time to harness this national pride and teach students that their civic activities really do count. In the end, it is up to us to ensure that, through educating the public and involving students in the electoral process, our precious democracy remains strong as the vibrant heartbeat of America.

Your station’s involvement will help energize and motivate your community to get out and vote and to pass on the importance of voting.

It Works!

The University of Colorado evaluated the NSPME and found that student participants came to believe increasingly that voting is important, as are political decision-making and social studies. They also benefited from discussing political and election topics with their parents. Students felt more empowered, rather than powerless. Feedback from students and parents also showed that the Mock Election motivated many parents who had never voted before to go to the polls.

Research shows that hands-on, interactive experiences are the best way to get students involved in their own learning process. Supporting the Mock Election in your area can benefit your community.