Laconia Middle School simulates Election Day for student council voting, stickers and all

LACONIA — Laconia Middle School held their student council election on May 28, with voting booths and tables set up to resemble Election Day. Each student received an “I Voted” sticker after they turned in their ballot.

“I think it’s important to introduce kids to this process early on, and teach them what voting is really like,” student council adviser Cathy Baylus said. 

Baylus, a civics and social studies teacher at the middle school, had the idea for the student election to mirror a city election over three years ago, and pitched the idea to Laconia City Clerk Katie Gargano. 

“I said to Gargano, ‘Let’s make this as real as possible, and teach kids about civic responsibility,’” Baylus said. 

As the middle school is used as a polling location, Gargano thought Baylus’ idea would be a “great opportunity to get kids involved.”

Gargano, along with volunteers from the city clerk's office, have been involved in the school's last three student council elections. Laconia Middle School PTO Co-Chair Laura Dunn and Secretary Cassy Dudek also volunteered at the election.

“For [Baylus] to put in the effort to give the kids this opportunity is just amazing,” Dunn said. 

Current student council president, eighth grader Brianna Prescott, worked with Baylus to help facilitate the voting day. 

“I think it makes [students] feel more a part of the school,” Prescott said, “and it helps prepare them for after high school.”

Two students ran for each student council leadership position, which included president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. Ten students ran for two eighth grade representatives spots, while 14 students ran for the two seventh grade representative spots.

Seventh grader Nathan Greeley ran unopposed for president. Greeley is looking forward to “making next year fun” for everyone in the student council, and to get involved in Election Day.

“This day is a great experience for kids who haven’t been to [vote] before,” Greeley said. “I find it enjoyable.”

All sixth and seventh grade students are given the opportunity to vote for the leadership positions, and their respective grade’s representatives. 

Election Day "has mattered to them more every year,” Baylus said. “They can’t wait to get their ‘I Voted’ sticker.”