JFK Seniors "Exercise" Their Civic Rights by Voting in Mock Election on Campus

On May 4, more than 200 Kennedy High School Seniors voted in a mock general election. Students who participated in the process voted for an array of public officials including president, California senator, and Sacramento mayor. They were also able to cast a vote on Proposition 50 as well as Measure X. This allowed students to practice voting in an election before voting later this year. To prepare for the voting experience, more than two hundred seniors gathered in the JFK Auditorium on April 29. The event helped students learn how their voices can be heard within their communities. The assembly was hosted by three young women, two of whom were Kennedy alumni. The two JFK graduates were Erin Thuston, a successful social worker, and Michele Rogers-Towe, a California state worker. The third presenter was a young mother and West Campus graduate, Christy Shelby. All shared brief stories with the students gathered. After introductions and a brief description of voting, the seniors watched a short locally-produced documentary staring Ms. Thuston on the topic of entering adulthood, applying for jobs and voting.

1. Bernie Sanders - 146

2. Hillary Clinton - 45

3. Donald Trump - 7

U.S. Senator

1. Loretta Sanchez - 46

2. Kamala Harris - 16

Sacramento Mayor

1. Darrell Steinberg - 82

2. Kevin Johnson - 62

3. Tony Lopez - 27