DeKalb County's youngest residents learn how to vote

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - It’s an effort to educate and engage some of DeKalb County’s youngest residents. A mock election at Tucker Middle School was organized by teachers, hoping an enthusiastic attitude about voting now, will lead to active citizens later.

More than 1100 students took turns casting their ballots Monday in the school gym. From booths to ballots to stickers, DeKalb County Elections staffers checked all the boxes on a “real” experience.

Organizer Dr. Debra Ross said it’s the first time the school is taking on this civic project.

“We asked our parents to get involved -- students got a chance to discuss these issues at home with their parents. The teachers just presented the candidates,” explained Dr. Ross.

The young people know their votes don’t officially count

“It’s kinda cool to learn the process even though it doesn’t count. And I think it’s important for education for us to learn that,” seventh grader Olivia Hedden told FOX 5, with a sticker on her chest.

Staff said forming an independent, informed opinion and learning how the process works is something that can’t be tallied.

“It involves you in the world -- it actually impacts you,” sixth grader Natalie Young said, as she handed her folded votes over to be placed in the ballot box.