The Mid-term elections are an extremely important part of the election process, covering all 435 Congressional races, as well as important state offices including Governor Attorney General, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer and more. Unlike presidential elections, which use the electoral College to determine who the next president will be, congressional elections use the direct vote of a state’s citizens to choose the winners. 

As Illinois prepares to elect state, congressional and local public officials on Tuesday, November 6th, students and teachers in 14 high schools in DuPage County participated in mock elections. 

Since 2008, students experience a unique learning experience by voting in a mock election on actual voting machines, ballots and vote tabulators used in polling places. The League of Women Voters, the DuPage Election Commission and Governmental Business Systems (GBS) partnered with DuPage county High Schools to provide a hands-on learning experience. 

The League of Women Voters has, for more than 98 years, been grassroots, nonpartisan, civic organization dedicated to increasing voter awareness, education and civic participation. “We have a long history of community involvement and leadership, including nonpartisan election activities, such as sponsoring candidate debates and town hall meetings on important public issues. Bringing the mock election experience to the schools increases civic awareness.” One Glenbard West student said she was glad she was able to “practice” voting because now she won’t be nervous when she votes in November. 

Teachers like the “authentic” voting learning experience. “Democracy is not a spectator sport! We are so privileged at York High School to have a positive and sustainable relationship with Elmhurst League of Women Voters and DuPage County Board of elections allowing our students to have opportunities for both civic engagement and Exposure to the responsibilities of being a citizen.”

Social studies teachers worked closely with League representatives to maximize student participation. Students experience the entire voting process – from registering to vote to casting ballots. Students voted for Congressional representatives from the 5th, 6th, 8th, and 11th districts along with Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Controller, and Treasurer. 

Partnering with the League was the DuPage Election Commission. The Election Commission delivered actual voting equipment to the 14 schools, including voting booths, a ballot box and optical scanner. Student voters received the “I Voted Sticker” after completing the ballot and feeding it into the optical scanner.  

Following are the list of participating schools along with the official results.