The Election

The 3rd Grade election, that is! 

The 3rd grade teachers in Seth's school didn't like the book unit on the election process so they decided to move outside of the box and stage a mock presidential election among their students.  Each class would vote to elect a candidate (complete with a vice-presidential running mate!) and then work on a campaign leading up to election day. 

Seth was voted in as President of Ms. Morrison's class, with his buddy, MaryJane, as his Vice President.  All the kids helped him perfect his campaign speech and worked on campaign posters to put up throughout the 3rd grade hallway.  These were a couple of my favorites:

"He is extremely responsible.  He listens to other people!Vote for Seth Averill!!!!  Seth would be a good president.  He helps with word problems and friendship problems to!!"

"Seth is very smart.  he helps students in math and other classes.  He doesn't get in trouble because he makes wise choices.  he is a great friend for playing!"

This one I wanted to highlight the last sentence.  I almost fell over laughing when I read it:  "He is Republican."  Seth claims he wasn't running as a Republican but he would have voted Republican in the actual, US Presidential election!

Next, Seth gave his campaign speech (they did a video of all the candidates presenting their speeches then showed them to all the classes so the kids didn't have to stand up and speak in front of 100+ kids):
"My name is Seth Michael Averill.  I am 8 years old.  I have a sister named Katey, a mom named Jen, and a dad named Michael.  I have 16 pets.

I could do a great job because I am talented, responsible, intelligent, nice, and a good friend.  I am talented because I won a dance contest on a cruise.  I am responsible because I put the dishes away when on one expected it.  

I would give the school new playground equipment and shelters for balls that would NOT break.  I would also make the food and treat prices lower in the cafeteria.  I would make recess longer and also every day.  40 minutes. 

My name is Seth Averill so vote for me!"

I loved the campaign promises - he came up with those all on his own!

So, after viewing the speeches, the kids voted.  I hear there were even pollsters campaigning outside the voting area. :-) 

Sadly, Seth did not win.  He is sure he came in 2nd place though (no confirmation of this fact - just what he believes in his heart), and the winner was the person he was pretty sure was going to beat him from the start - apparently her speech was REALLY good. 

Regardless of the outcome, I love that all the kids got to experience the process and see how an election works.  We are super proud of our Presidential candidate - 3rd grade today, United States in 30 years!