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

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.

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

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.

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.

“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.”