NEBRASKA STUDENT VOTE PROGRAM
The United States is the world's oldest and strongest democracy, yet voter turnout is at a record low. Teaching children how to be educated voters is a critical challenge facing teachers and parents.
To answer the need of voter education among the youth of Nebraska, Secretary of State's Office and the Omaha World-Herald joined together in 1996 to create the
Nebraska Student Vote Program. The program has grown greatly since its beginning, going from over 50,000 students participating in 1998 to approximately 90,000 students in 2002. During the 2002 election, Nebraska had the third highest turnout for the National Mock Election, beating out states like California and Texas! This year presents itself to be the largest participation yet.
There were 82,885 students involved in the 2004 Nebraska Student Vote Program. When you include the numbers from another Student Vote Program that works with only Lincoln schools; there were a total of 108,508 students that had the opportunity to learn more about the election process in our country through a Student Vote Program!
"Students who have the opportunity to become familiar with voting in programs like Nebraska Student Vote are more likely to be active citizens and life-long voters," stated Secretary of State John Gale
Visit the Nebraska Student Vote website at
www.nestudentvote.com to learn more about the program.
Beginning August 1, 2006 we invite you to register your school online to participate in the Nebraska Student Vote program at NO cost to your school.
Participants of Nebraska Student Vote will receive:
- A newspaper every Wednesday for several weeks during the program.
- Student guides*, All About the Election ( Grades 3-6 ) and Destination White House ( Grades 7-12 ) both contain loads of information and activities to follow the candidates as they race toward the White House. Additionally, the student guides include a Nebraska specific piece to inform students about the congressional candidates and their views. *student guides can be chosen based on grade level of students
- Teacher's guides are provided to direct the lessons and provide additional extension activities.
- Finally, students cast their informed votes in a mock election a week prior to the General Election. The Mock Election results will be posted on www.nestudentvote.com, distributed to media across the state and reported to the National Mock Election Program.
If you have any questions or you want further information, please contact Sharon Hambek at 402-471-6044 or e-mail her at
Nebraska Student Vote Program.
