Washington voters have until Nov. 8 to vote their General Election ballots, but the state’s K-12 students this week have their own voting experience by taking part in the annual State Mock Election.

Now in its 12th year, The Mock Election began Monday morning and ends this Friday at 1 p.m. It’s free and open to all Washington K-12 students who attend public, private or tribal school or are homeschooled.

Sponsored by the Office of Secretary of State, the Mock Election is a nonpartisan educational program that teaches kids to be informed voters.

Students can vote by going to the Mock Election website here. Students who participate will receive free “I Voted!” stickers from their teachers.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman said the Mock Election helps teach students to vote and be active in civic life:

“I love the Mock Election because it introduces students to voting and shows them why it’s important. I hope every Washington student will graduate with the skills to fully engage in our democracy, and have the passion and commitment to do so. Voting is a key part of that.”

Students in grades 6-12 will “vote” for president, U.S. Senate and governor. They also will consider three initiatives: I-1433 (raising state’s minimum wage); I-1491 (restricting firearms access); and I-735 (asking Washington’s congressional delegation to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that says constitutionally protected free speech excludes spending of money).

K-5 students will vote for president, U.S. Senate and governor, as well as I-1433.

Results will be posted online for the state and by school on the Elections Division’s webpage soon after the Mock Election ends Friday.

Need more info about the Mock Election? Contact Jackie Wheeler in the Elections Division at (360) 902-4143 or [email protected].