After voting, students received “I Voted” stickers and could choose from a variety of swag items provided by the outreach team. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Cordova High School students took part in a hands-on civic learning experience on Monday, April 27, as Sacramento County Registration and Elections brought its High School Mock Election program to campus.

Held in the Cordova High School Library, the event allowed students to engage directly with the voting process as part of a nonpartisan voter education initiative. While the experience was closely aligned with Government courses, all social science students were invited to participate.

Held in the Cordova High School Library, the event allowed students to engage directly with the voting process as part of a nonpartisan voter education initiative. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

The Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections Outreach Team opened the program with a brief presentation explaining how elections function in Sacramento County. Students then moved through a simulated election experience designed to mirror real-world voting procedures.

Participants reviewed a fictionalized ballot and Student Voter Information Guide, learned how to complete a ballot correctly, signed and sealed a Vote by Mail envelope and cast their votes in an official-style ballot box. Throughout the process, elections staff were available to answer questions and guide students through each step.

After voting, students received “I Voted” stickers and could choose from a variety of swag items provided by the outreach team. All student votes were kept confidential as part of the educational experience.

The Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections Outreach Team opened the program with a brief presentation explaining how elections function in Sacramento County. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Additionally, students ages 16 and older were provided the opportunity to preregister to vote with support from the League of Women Voters, helping eligible students take an early step toward future civic participation.

The High School Mock Election program is conducted prior to each regularly scheduled election to help students build awareness and understanding of the democratic process, regardless of age or voting eligibility.

Assistant Principal Dr. Carrie Jackson shared, “Students get a lot out of this experience. It helps them feel more comfortable with how voting works, and our teachers do their best to keep students involved and engaged in civic life whenever they can.”

The event provided students with a meaningful opportunity to experience civic participation firsthand, reinforcing the importance of informed and active citizenship.

After voting, students received “I Voted” stickers and could choose from a variety of swag items provided by the outreach team. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District