The 4-H Mock Presidential Election has been held for several election cycles as part of an ongoing 4-H citizenship education initiative.  Students are educated about the election process in the United States of America, the duties of voting, and the suffrage 100 year anniversary.  Additionally they learned about the office of the presidency, presidential duties, and presidential modes of transportation.

Approximately 600 youth in 3^rd through 8^th grades participated in the presentation and mock election of the USA presidency.  The youth vote results are as follows:

• Donald Trump/Mike Pence (Republican Party) – 73%
• Joe Biden/Kamala Harris (Democrat Party)– 17%
• Jo Jorgensen/Spike Cohen (Libertarian Party) – 3%
• Howie Howkins/Angela Walker (Green Party) – 1%
• Kanye West/Michelle Tidball (Independent) – 6%

Approximately half of the youth were surprised that there were more than 2 candidates running for the office of President of the USA.  Additionally, 88.7% of the youth indicated that they planned to vote in elections when they are adults which should increase voter participation in the election process in the next two decades.  After the program, the teachers in the local school system were very complementary of the election and the educational component.  One teacher said, “This is a wonderful way to introduce students of the election process.  It teaches them about their rights and responsibilities as an American citizen in a democratic government.”