During the Philadelphia Mayors' race of 1993, the Urban Voters Campaign sponsored mock elections on November 4th in selected schools throughout the city.
The aim was to provide a creative means for our young people to participate in the democratic process. Additionally, we hoped to inspire youth to "Take their parents to vote".
With the permission of the School District and individual Principals we provided volunteers to staff a ballot box at each school. There were ballots
available to all students - on election day. We targeted schools that also doubled as a official polling area. Our volunteers were willing to stay until the polls close. Every youth was encouraged to return with
their parents to vote.
The Daily News reported on the Mock Election as part of its election coverage on November 5th. They devoted a full page to the program:
Philadelphia Daily News Coverage of Mock Election
We believe that giving young people the opportunity to experience democracy first-hand will help build an appreciation of our nation's civic values. In
addition to instilling an ethic of voting among our youth, we believe the Mock Election can also increase turnout among parents of participating school children.
The following is the current list of schools participating in the Urban Voter Campaign Mock Elections. People who volunteered to help in the project, filled
out an online volunteer form. We hope to involve other schools in the project in future elections.
Urban Voters Campaign Mock Election Schools
West Philly-
Sayre Middle School
Grover Washington Jr. Middle School
N.E. -
Farrell Elementary School
G. Washington
Loeshe
Logan/Olney -
T. Marshall Elementary School
North -
Wanamaker
Ludlow
Vaux
Elverson
Hartranpft
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