Voters had to choose between the “Green Menu” or the “White Menu”, which was a very tough choice. Voters agonized for weeks over which to choose, and many quickly realized that there was no “perfect” menu – they’d have to compromise on some items in order to prioritize what they most wanted.

In the weeks leading up to the big vote, 2nd graders made campaign posters for both menus and hung them around the building. 3rd and 4th graders wrote persuasive advertisements for the Green and White menus, respectively. They presented their well-reasoned arguments to all during lunch periods. Our 5th graders helped design and laminate all students’ voter registration cards. Upper School students also learned more about the US electoral system during the run up to the election.

On Election Day, 8th graders served as poll workers. By checking students’ voter registration cards, managing the polls, securing the ballot box, and distributing “I Voted” stickers, they ensured an orderly, fair, and secure election. Once the polls closed, the ballot box was transported to the Pre-K classroom, where students sorted ballots between Green and White votes. From there, kindergarteners grouped these ballots into stacks of 10, and, with the help of Ms. Palm, placed these stacks in secretly color-coded envelopes – this way, no students would know the results!

The last stop for our ballots was 1st grade, where they counted these envelopes using their 10s counting skills. Then, the first graders graphed the results! Because we used a decoy color system for the envelopes, the students were able to count and graph our results without actually knowing who the winner was – election security at its finest!

At our assembly the next morning, the results of the election were revealed! In total, 173 votes were cast. With 96 votes – 55% of the vote – the White Menu was victorious! We can’t wait to dive into grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, corn on the cob, caesar salad, and brownies for dessert next week!

This election simulation was such a joy to experience. Students in every grade were invested in the “issues,” argued passionately for their beliefs, learned about compromise, and participated in the important democratic institution of a free and fair election. Go Gators!