Indiana Kids' Election opens voter registration for Hoosier students

Thursday, September 13, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS -- On Nov. 6, students across Indiana will elect their own governor and president in a show of active citizenship through the Indiana Kids' Election (IKE) mock election program. Sponsored by the Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA), Indiana Secretary of State and the Indiana Department of Education, IKE announced today that registration is open for classrooms statewide.

IKE provides students in grades K-12 with the hands-on experience of voting in a class or school-wide mock election. Students learn to develop good voting habits at an early age by participating in voting milestones such as registering to vote and casting a ballot on Election Day.

"Based on the premise that voting is only occasionally done by inspiration, IKE attempts to help thousands of Hoosier students acquire the habit of voting at a young age," said ISBA President C. Erik Chickedantz, of Fort Wayne. "We are particularly proud to sponsor IKE, an award-winning program that emulates the election process so carefully."

Teachers are encouraged to access the comprehensive curriculum guides and materials, free of charge, leading up to the 2012 general election at www.IndianaKidsElection.com. Note: The IKE curriculum meets state academic standards and was developed by a team of Indiana educators.

Indiana attorneys also have the unique opportunity to participate in this program by volunteering for the IKE Speakers' Bureau, where attorney volunteers deliver one-hour classroom presentations on electing our leaders, making informed choices about candidates, political parties and much more.

To learn more about IKE, visit www.IndianaKidsElection.com. Also, stay informed with up-to-date IKE information, announcements, deadlines and more by following the ISBA on Twitter @indianastatebar and facebook.com/indianastatebar.

"Our young Hoosiers are the foundation for Indiana's long-term success," said Secretary of State Connie Lawson. "Through Indiana Kids' Election, we can help the next crop of leaders see up close the importance of civic participation and that elections are decided by those who show up."

"Indiana's greatest economic asset is our future generation of leaders," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said. "By participating in the Indiana Kids' Election, students learn the importance of being engaged citizens and staying informed on the decisions that will influence their futures. I applaud all of the students, teachers and schools who participate in this exceptional civic education program."

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: