By Plamena Quintavalla, Bronxville School Reporter for Syntax

Nov. 16, 2016:  Students at Bronxville High School and Bronxville Middle School who have been learning about the democratic process and the importance of voting participated in a mock election on November 7 and 8. 

Using a replica of the 2016 New York State ballot, they cast their votes in the contested races for president, U.S. Senate, Congress, State Senate, State Assembly, and Westchester district attorney.

"This is one of the most turbulent elections that we've had in the history of our country, so it's very important that everyone is involved and really understands the process," said Sam Arcano, an 18-year-old senior who was excited to be able to vote for the first time.

Arcano added that enabling students to mock vote is important because they became invested in the real election and it requires them to educate themselves to decide who best represents their values and ideals. Social studies teacher Christina Reidel, who led the mock election efforts, said she and her colleagues have been conducting lessons on voting.

"We’ve been talking about the right to vote, how it evolved, the responsibilities of voting, what it looks like, how it varies from state to state, and some of the controversies around the process," she said. "Democracy is sometimes messy, but it's something we're committed to and it's important for us to communicate those values to our students."

Freshman George Cooney said he learned valuable lessons through voting in the mock election. "It's really important to vote because so many people before us have sacrificed their lives," he said. "[The mock election] seemed real because there was a ballot set up and it felt official."

Senior Will Cioffi, who was among a group of political science students who gave lessons on voting to elementary school students, said it is essential for community members to be engaged and informed citizens, in both the local and national government.

"It's crucial to be exposed [to voting] at such a young age because then you're more aware of what's happening," Cioffi said. "You read the news, you become more of an engaged citizen, you become more informed, and you support and vote for the people who you think represent your values and ideals."

To watch a video about the mock election, click here.         

Pictured here:   Bronxville School students casting their votes in a mock election on November 7 and 8.

Photos courtesy of the Bronxville Union Free School District