Participants will have the opportunity to cast their votes for the presidential race, along with the U.S. Senate and House contests in New Jersey. Students will vote for congressional candidates in the district according to their school's location.
Students also will be able to give their opinions on four major national issues:
- the economy
- the nation's involvement in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
- the energy crisis
- health care policies and costs
Schools will have the option of using printed ballots or have students cast their votes online.
The New Jersey Press Foundation, which is coordinating the event in the Garden State, says more than 725 schools around New Jersey have enrolled an estimated 333,000 students. Voting will be conducted between Oct. 20 and Oct. 30, and the students can choose to vote in all or some of the categories.
Final election results are due to be released Oct. 30.
Mock election officials say the event is "an excellent way to encourage young people to become interested in voting" and help them become more involved in state and national issues and candidates. It also provides parents and children with the opportunity to discuss their beliefs and concerns about matters that affect them.
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On the Net:
NJPA mock election page: http://www.njpa.org/mock/index.html
