This past week students at North Sevier High School had the opportunity to learn about the Electoral College and voting in an assembly sponsored by Rho Kappa, the school’s chapter of the Social Science National Honor Society. Paisley Hallows and Caden Johnson developed and presented a twenty-minute presentation which started with a basic explanation of the three branches of government. Students were shown that Election Day was not just a presidential election. The presenters emphasized that the entire House of Representatives as well as a third of the Senate was up for election.
Paisley and Caden showed a map of the Electoral College and explained how electors are selected and how candidates need 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
During the assembly, students were given a chance to vote in a mock election. Instead of choosing between candidates running for election, students were asked to choose between broccoli or candy for a treat, between a student or teacher for building your house and between two teachers for whom you would want to cook your dinner. After students voted, the presenters explained why it was important to vote.
Caden explained that you prefer candy over broccoli, would get a better home from the construction teacher, and you need to research to make sure you get the best cook.
After the assembly, several students had questions about the election process and took time to ask Rodney Hurd, the school’s government teacher. One student stated that now he understood why the term “swing states” was so important.
A week prior to the assembly, Paisley gave a similar presentation that she developed to the North Sevier Middle School.
Photo shows Paisley Hallows, Caden Johnson, and the Rho Kappa Advisor Rodney Hurd in front of the presentation. Mr. Hurd is holding the candy that students voted to receive over broccoli.
