Fifth-graders at View Ridge in Everett hold mock election

EVERETT — Alex Smith proudly cast his ballot Tuesday afternoon. He had done his research and knew where he stood on major issues.

The 10-year-old was among 22 fifth-graders in Ira Siebert’s class who participated in mock elections. They voted on everything they would be voting on in this election if they were 18.

Alex loved it.

“It lets kids be in the society,” he said. “Usually, we are left out from these big, important things.”

To prepare for Election Day, students had worked for about a month to learn about the initiatives and races on the ballot. They wrote papers and held class discussions.

Siebert managed to get the class interested when he told the students that one of the measures on the ballot would lower the drinking age to 9. They felt strongly that it was not a good idea.

Jokes aside, fifth-graders presented thoughtful arguments for and against different measures.

Siebert teaches in the highly capable program, where students are identified based on their math and reading skills.

“I have tremendous respect for 10- and 11-year-olds,” the teacher said. “I held off doing my own ballot until they turned in their papers.”

Knowing their arguments could influence how other people voted motivated the students.

Alex said he convinced his parents to change their mind about a thing or two.

He was most passionate about I-1183, the initiative proposing to privatize liquor.

“I voted against it because it’s risky,” he said. “I feel like teens who work in grocery stores might be tempted to sneak a bottle out of a box when they are stocking shelves.”

Uninformed voters make bad decisions, Alex said. For example, people might vote for a candidate just because he’s handsome.

The students marked their choices on the ballots with highlighters. Siebert explained every step of the process.

Someone asked if they could refer to their notes while they fill out the ballots.

Siebert used this example to illustrate why they should use their notes: “Maybe you get to County Council District 2, and you can’t remember the difference between Brian Sullivan and Glen Sayes.”

The teacher also removed party affiliations so students wouldn’t be able to choose a candidate just based on that.

Kara Underhill, sporting a black fedora, marked her choices quickly and confidently.

“It makes you feel like you are out in the real world,” she said. “Personally, I think adults shouldn’t vote unless they have done their research, like we have.”

Just like in a real election, it took longer than expected to tally the results. A handful of students stayed in the classroom to count ballots after recess had started. Laili Couper was in charge of counting votes in all the county races.

She thought the most important race was the Everett School Board, because it will affect her most directly.

She voted for Pam LaSesne.

“She has more experience and more endorsements,” she said.

Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452; kyefimova@heraldnet.com.

Results

Here’s how the election would have turned out if it were decided by Ira Siebert’s 22 fifth-grade students at View Ridge Elementary:

Initiatives

I-1125 — fails with 95 percent voting “no.”

I-1163 — fails with 59 percent of the vote.

I-1183 — fails with 73 percent voting “no.”

Snohomish County Executive

Aaron Reardon wins with 73 percent of the vote.