Back for its 9^th year is the Washington State Mock Election! The Mock Election is a non-partisan educational program that gives students a taste of what it's like to research issues and "vote." The hope is that students will enjoy the experience and will look forward to getting registered and participating when they turn 18. Voting is free and quite simple. Anytime between Monday, Oct. 28, and noon on Nov. 1 students can go online to cast their vote. Students in grades K-12 will "vote" on real measures and candidates from the 2013 Washington elections. The ballot this year includes a vote on Initiative 517 concerning signature gathering for initiatives, and Initiative 522 concerning labels for genetically modified food. Aside from initiatives, the youth of Seattle will even vote for this years mayoral candidates. The Mock Election is a way for students to practice reading and decision-making skills while becoming engaged and thoughtful citizens. Teachers participating in the event are provided with sample ballots and kid-friendly voters’ pamphlets along with teaching materials to properly educate their students on elections. After last years mock vote, 97 percent of teachers surveyed saw significant improvement in their students’ comprehension of the voting process. Secretary of State Kim Wyman said the Mock Election prepares students for an active role in civic life. “My hope is that every Washington student will graduate with the skills to fully engage in our democracy, and have the passion to do so,” Wyman said. Being an off year for elections, the Office of the Secretary of State predicts a turnout of about 12,000 students this Mock Election. In the 2012 presidential election 38,848 students participated. More information about the 2013 Mock Election can be found at http://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/mock/.