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Students learn about the voting process
(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - November 09, 2012)
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| Messenger photo by Andrea Cordle |
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Holt Crossing students (left to right) Sarina Simpson, Haylee Snodgrass, Jennifer Penazamora, Elise Johnson and Brennan Colvard participate in Kids Voting USA.
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The students at Holt Crossing Intermediate School are looking forward to 2020, when they can cast their first ballot for President of the United States.
They are getting prepared for future elections and casting mock votes in the Kids Voting USA program.
Holt Crossing fifth grade teacher Lauren Sarnacki said more than 700 students cast their vote for president at the school. Organizers set up mock voting booths and ballots similar to what legal voters would see. Sarnacki said the students have to show their student ID badges before voting, just as they would have to show identification in the real setting.
“This program teaches kids at an early age to get involved,” said Sarnacki. “It shows them how important it is to use your voice.”
Though the students cannot legally vote, they have firm opinions on who should run the country.
Students Jennifer Penazamora and Sarina Simpson support President Barack Obama. Penazamora said a good future for her means receiving a good education. She believes President Obama is the best candidate for the job. Simpson said jobs and education are important.
“It’s about who is going to do a better job,” said Simpson. “I think that will be Obama.”
Fellow students Elise Johnson, Brennan Colvard and Haylee Snodgrass “voted” for Governor Mitt Romney.
Johnson said, “there has been too much spending” in the current administration. Colvard said he watched the presidential debates and thought Mitt Romney did a better job. He said Romney would be a better leader.
Snodgrass said she was disappointed President Barack Obama did not bring the troops in Afghanistan home.
“He said he would, but they are still there,” said Snodgrass. “Mitt Romney just has a better plan.”
One thing all the students agreed on was their disappointment in the negative campaign ads. The students said the constant negative ads reflect poorly on the candidate.
“Most of what they say in the commercials is lies,” said Penazamora. “I would rather vote for someone honest.”
Another thing all the students agreed on was the importance of voting.
“People fight for our right to vote,” said Colvard. “It’s just a waste if you don’t use your right to vote.”
The results of Kids Voting USA can be found at www.kidsvotingoh.org.
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