Carson High School government students gained firsthand insight into the election process last week through a tour of a polling station at the Carson City Community Center and a student mock election in the classroom.
With assistance from Scott Hoen, Carson City Clerk-Recorder, students toured the polling station to learn more about election operations and the process of casting a ballot. The visit provided students with an opportunity to see how elections are conducted, how integrity is maintained and how procedures help ensure voting is accessible to the community.
Following the tour, the students participated in a mock election on Chromebooks in their classroom, simulating the voting process and putting their knowledge into practice. The activity allowed students to experience the steps involved in an election while exploring the importance of civic engagement and participation in democracy.
“One of my goals as a Government teacher is to take civics beyond the textbook and give students opportunities to see democracy in action,” said Angila Golik, educator at Carson High School. “I believe one of the barriers to voting for young people is simply the uncertainty of not knowing what to expect. By visiting the polls during early voting, I wanted my students to see firsthand that the process is accessible, efficient and far less intimidating than they might imagine.”
Lucas Oden, one of Golik’s students, was able to vote for the first time during the tour of the polling station. His father, Cody Oden, was able to meet him there and cast his ballot with his son.
These hands-on learning experiences help connect classroom instruction with real-world government processes, giving students a greater understanding of their role as informed and engaged citizens.
“In preparation for our visit, we spent time in class examining the candidates, elected offices, and ballot questions, including a deeper analysis of Nevada’s Questions 6 and 7,” Golik continued. “When we returned to school, students participated in a mock election using the same races and ballot questions appearing on Carson City’s actual ballot.”
Ideally, the experience will inspire students to register to vote when they turn 18, remain apprised of the political nuances and issues facing the state and remain engaged citizens throughout their lives.
“By combining classroom instruction with real-world observation and hands-on participation, students were able to connect what they learned about government to their own responsibilities as future voters,” Golik said. “My hope is that when they walk into a polling place for the first time, they won’t feel anxious or uncertain. Instead, they’ll feel informed, confident, and empowered to participate in our democracy.”
Additionally, some students from Golik’s class will also volunteer to watch the voting tabulation process at the courthouse Tuesday evening.
Per District Policy 0209, all school employees shall remain neutral in opinions about candidates for elections.
Policy 0209: “In the discussion of any issue, a teacher may express a personal opinion, but shall identify it as such, and must not express such an opinion for the purpose of persuading students to a point of view.”
ABOUT Carson City School District
Located in Nevada’s capital, Carson City School District offers public education to approximately 7,300 students throughout Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 comprehensive high school. Carson City School District boasts many successes, including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced placement classes, among several others. For more information, visit carsoncityschools.com.
