Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson hosts mock election workshop for students

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson leads Battle Creek Central students in a mock election event at Battle Creek Central's McQuiston Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson leads Battle Creek Central students in a mock election event at Battle Creek Central's McQuiston Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
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The democratic process took center stage for Battle Creek Central students on Tuesday afternoon, led by a guest who knows that process well. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson visited the McQuiston Learning Center to teach students about their voting options in upcoming elections, focusing on voter registration and various methods of casting their ballots.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson speaks to students about election procedures during a mock election event at Battle Creek Central High School's McQuiston Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson speaks to students about election procedures during a mock election event at Battle Creek Central High School's McQuiston Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

After her presentation, Benson led students in a mock election to apply what they had learned.

Battle Creek Central students participate in a mock election event hosted by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at Battle Creek Central High School's McQuiston Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Battle Creek Central students participate in a mock election event hosted by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at Battle Creek Central High School's McQuiston Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Through the event, students were able participate in a simulated primary election by taking on the roles of election workers, candidates and voters. Participants were taken through the election process as ballots were cast, collected and counted by student volunteers.

Battle Creek Central students participate in a mock election event hosted by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at Battle Creek Central High School's McQuiston Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Battle Creek Central students participate in a mock election event hosted by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at Battle Creek Central High School's McQuiston Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Representatives from local branches of the NAACP and League of Women Voters attended to provide students with resources and show support for the event. Sue Rosko, a chairperson with the League of Women Voters, emphasized the importance of bringing civic education to students.

Members of the Battle Creek NAACP branch provide a resource table for students during a mock election event hosted by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at Battle Creek Central High School's McQuiston Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Members of the Battle Creek NAACP branch provide a resource table for students during a mock election event hosted by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at Battle Creek Central High School's McQuiston Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

“We’ve done different things with the schools and with Battle Creek Central in civic engagement,” Rosko said. “Getting kids to really recognize how important it is for them to register to vote and to learn what’s on the ballots, that’s a huge push.”

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson hosts mock election for students