North Putnam students get acquainted with importance of elections

Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Greencastle attorney Scott Bieniek speaks to a large number of students at North Putnam High School Tuesday during a presentation that comes ahead of Tuesday’s general elections. Bieniek’s presentation is part of the program titled Indiana Kid’s Election Project, sponsored by the Indiana State Bar Association, Indiana’s Secretary of State and the Indiana Department of Education.
Courtesy photo

ROACHDALE -- With the upcoming presidential election now less than one week away, each and every American has undoubtedly been affected by the process, at this point, in one way or another.

Whether positive or negative, the experience and the grip the election process has had on the minds of not only those eligible to vote, but also of future voters, has made its mark in some way.

But now, with the help of the Indiana Kids Election Project (IKE), future voters (a.k.a. the “kids”) will be able to make their voices count -- literally.

This Election Day, students around the state will be participating in the aforementioned project, each having the chance to vote in a mock election to declare who they would like to be their next president, governor and senator.

And in the spirit of education, North Putnam High School students heard a presentation from local attorney Scott Bieniek Tuesday. Indiana attorneys have the unique opportunity to volunteer at the IKE Speaker’s Bureau, through which they can deliver a one-hour presentation about the election process and how to make an informed decision.

“Bieniek spoke about free election and how important it is to participate in this process,” NPSC’s Tony Gray said. “(He) also touched on the need for young people to vote and (to) make their generation relevant.

“Past laws that presented roadblocks to voting were discussed,” Gray added. “Along with (his) experience working for campaigns, culminating in his position as lead counsel for the Herman Cain presidential campaign in 2012.”

Bieniek’s presentation was part of the overall project’s plans ahead of the general election set to take place on Nov. 8.

Results following the IKE process are expected to be interesting, as well.

Sponsored by the Indiana State Bar Association, Indiana’s Secretary of State and the Indiana Department of Education, “IKE is based on the premise that voting is only occasionally done by inspiration, but is more often done by habit,” says the project’s website, inkidselection.com.

“With this special emphasis on encouraging students to develop one’s voting habit at an early age, IKE attempts to emulate the election process as closely as possible. Students participate in voting milestones such as registering to vote ... and casting a ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 8 just like their parents.”

For more information about IKE, visit inkidselection.com.

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