The fun and fast-paced interactive game teaches students the history of voting and makes it relevant to their lives, effectively showing them the value of their vote and motivating them register to vote when they turn 18 and to stay politically engaged over the long term.
During one class period a facilitator takes the students through the history of voting, graphically illustrating voting laws and voting dynamics through student role-playing. While the facilitator may lead the class, it is actually the students who drive the class. Through the dynamics of exclusion, frustration, mock elections, group interaction and rewards, students become emotionally invested in the political process, and learn how they can affect its outcome.
Vote 18 makes voting
personal. The game creates feelings of inclusion and exclusion, then leads
participants to resolve their conflicts and issues through the political
process. Emphasis is placed on the economic and social impacts of voting. The
facilitator uses the student mock election to demonstrate why voting is
important for both individuals and communities. The game concludes by taking
students through the voter registration process and discussing how their
participation can benefit both themselves and their communities.
The game is strictly
non-partisan and does not endorse any political party nor support any positions
on specific issues. The goal is to increase political awareness, promote dialog
and encourage today’s young people to become tomorrow’s voters and political
leaders.
Ultimately, Vote 18 is successful because instead of just telling students they should vote, it creates a forum where the students show themselves why they should vote.
