Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and state Department of Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona today invited high school students across the state to participate in the 2020 Connecticut Student Mock Election, a nonpartisan, educational program designed to encourage youth to become active voters once they are old enough to vote.

More than 50 high school districts will cast their ballot during the virtual mock election which is being held by the state Department of Education in partnership with the Office of the Lt. Governor. This voter education program is the first of its kind provided by the state.

From Oct. 19 to Oct. 30, students will have the opportunity to cast their ballot for their choice of President. Students will have the opportunity to vote for the same presidential candidates registered Connecticut voters will choose from on Election Day.

“Our young people have the potential to be a powerful voice in our elections, but only if they know how to exercise their right to vote. Through this initiative, we hope to increase students’ interest in voting and give them the opportunity to learn more about this year’s slate of candidates, their policies, and how all levels of government impact every aspect of our lives,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “After participating in this mock election, students will better understand how to make their voice heard in our democracy, how to get involved in public service, and experience the power of their vote.”

“This mock election provides districts with a civics lesson that goes above and beyond the textbook. The already popular high school program encourages student voice and civic participation by introducing our youth to our election process in a tangible way. Just as importantly, it gets students excited to exercise their right to vote,” said Education Commissioner Cardona. “By stressing the importance of voting in ways that are fun and engaging, we are also encouraging students to be active and involved members of their community throughout their lives.”

Through this initiative, students will be introduced to the voting process and the power of voting. The mock election will take place virtually to ensure every student – whether they are learning from home or in the classroom – can participate while protecting their health and safety. Students who are interested in participating will each receive a unique PIN which will allow them to cast their ballot.

School districts had until Friday, Oct. 16 to register to participate in the 2020 Connecticut Mock Election. Fifty-nine school districts across the state have elected to participate in the virtual mock election:

1. AI Prince Technical High School
   

2. Arch Bridges School
   

3. Bethel School District
   

4. Bloomfield School District
   

5. Branford Public Schools
   

6. Bristol School District
   

7. Brookfield School District
   

8. Bullard Technical High School
   

9. Canton School District
   

10. Cheshire School District
    

11. Colchester School District
    

12. Derby School District
    

13. East Hartford School District
    

14. East Haven School District
    

15. East Windsor Public Schools
    

16. Eli Whitney Technical
    

17. Ellis Technical High School
    

18. Enfield School District
    

19. Fairfield School District
    

20. Focus Center for Autism
    

21. The Gilbert School
    

22. Grasso Technical High School
    

23. Griswold School District
    

24. Groton Public Schools
    

25. Hamden School District
    

26. Highville Charter School District
    

27. Kaynor Technical High School
    

28. Lebanon School District
    

29. Manchester School District
    

30. Meriden School District
    

31. Middletown School District
    

32. Milford School District
    

33. New London Public Schools
    

34. Newtown School District
    

35. North Haven School District
    

36. Northwestern Regional High School
    

37. Norwalk Public Schools
    

38. O'Brien Technical High School
    

39. Old Saybrook School District
    

40. Platt Technical High School
    

41. Plymouth School District
    

42. Portland School District
    

43. Simsbury School District
    

44. South Windsor Public School District
    

45. Stamford School District
    

46. Stratford School District
    

47. Thompson School District
    

48. Torrington School District
    

49. Vinal Technical High School
    

50. Wallingford Public Schools
    

51. Waterbury School District
    

52. West Hartford Public Schools
    

53. West Haven School District
    

54. Westport Public Schools
    

55. Westbrook Public Schools
    

56. Wethersfield Public Schools
    

57. Windham Technical High School
    

58. Woodhouse Academy
    

59. Vernon Public Schools
    

The 2020 Connecticut Student Mock Election is an academic exercise and is not designed to predict the outcome of the 2020 Presidential Election. The views expressed are those of the participating students.