Students 'vote' on I-517, I-522 & Seattle mayoral race
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These students at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma voted in the Mock Election Friday morning. (Photo courtesy Lindsay Pryor)
If the results for this year's Mock Election are an accurate barometer for how the adults will vote in the General Election ending Tuesday, supporters of Initiative 522 will be pleased, but not backers of Initiative 517. Almost 9,000 students took part in the 2013 Student Mock Election from Monday through Friday. The annual civics program for Washington students has been conducted by the Office of Secretary of State since 2004. Students rejected I-517, the Tim Eyman-sponsored measure that seeks to increase protections for signature gatherers, expand access to places where signatures may be collected, and add another six months to the time period initiative sponsors can gather signatures. More than 57 percent (5,087 students) voted against that measure, while 42.5 percent (3,760) favored it. The Mock Election voters gave a thumbs up to Initiative 522, which would require that genetically engineered foods be labeled. More than 62 percent (5,547) voted yes on I-522, while 37.7 percent (3,357) said no. Seattle students were asked whether they supported incumbent Mike McGinn or challenger Ed Murray for Seattle mayor. Of the 383 students who weighed in, nearly 58 percent (221) of the Seattle students picked McGinn, while 42 percent (162) sided with Murray. “I’m pleased that so many students voted in the Mock Election this year and had a taste for what voting is like,” said Secretary of State Kim Wyman. “The Mock Election is a great way to introduce students to voting and why it’s important.” Go here to view the Mock Election results, which can be broken down by county, city or school.(html)
Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs
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