Social Studies Department hosts Election Forum for Students
One week ahead of the Nov. 3, 2020, elections, Norfolk Collegiate’s upper school students were invited to participate in an election forum. Students in Grades 9-12 were given the opportunity to attend a moderated discussion lead by social studies teachers James Moskowitz and Aaron Gregory.
Student volunteers and teachers were on hand to help students understand the district maps and to receive a sample ballot for the district in which they reside.
“It was a great day,” said Head of Upper School Anne Claywell ’88 on social media of the event. “Our incredibly talented social studies department held our first Election Forum [with] sample ballots, ads from all campaigns, students asking questions and discussing down ticket races, proposed amendments, how to find their district, school board questions and more. [It was] beautifully and professionally facilitated by [teachers] James Moskowitz and Aaron Gregory.”
The educational event didn’t discuss issues each candidate was facing, but instead provided students with an opportunity to learn more and discuss:
The forum also provided students an opportunity to learn how to decipher what it means to vote “yes” or “no” to each ballot referendum, using question 1, Redistricting Commission Amendment.
"We focused on the ballot―and ended up focusing on down ballot races and questions―because the public doesn't have a lot of information to guide them on such things. With all the attention given to the race for president, some voters may even be unaware of other ballot choices they'll be facing."
"What was most important to me was that we created a forum that was safe (politically and physically distanced) and lively," he continued.
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“It was a great day,” said Head of Upper School Anne Claywell ’88 on social media of the event. “Our incredibly talented social studies department held our first Election Forum [with] sample ballots, ads from all campaigns, students asking questions and discussing down ticket races, proposed amendments, how to find their district, school board questions and more. [It was] beautifully and professionally facilitated by [teachers] James Moskowitz and Aaron Gregory.”
The educational event didn’t discuss issues each candidate was facing, but instead provided students with an opportunity to learn more and discuss:
- Candidates and offices up for election
- Methods by which students and their family members could vote (in-person, absentee, mail-in, etc.)
- What is on each ballot and what it is asking voters to weigh in on
The forum also provided students an opportunity to learn how to decipher what it means to vote “yes” or “no” to each ballot referendum, using question 1, Redistricting Commission Amendment.
"We focused on the ballot―and ended up focusing on down ballot races and questions―because the public doesn't have a lot of information to guide them on such things. With all the attention given to the race for president, some voters may even be unaware of other ballot choices they'll be facing."
"What was most important to me was that we created a forum that was safe (politically and physically distanced) and lively," he continued.
