Mayoral elections held at Linderman School
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POLSON — The red, white and blue-striped voting booths were set up, and a line of voters were ready to cast their ballots. No, it’s not already general election day. These voters were fourth graders at Linderman School, and they were choosing a mayor and assistant mayor for each village, or classroom, on Sept. 8.
In Mrs. Ellis’ room, students who wanted to apply for the mayor’s position put their names on the board. Then each child had to give a speech telling fellow students why he or she would be a good choice for mayor.
Mayoral candidates in Mrs. Perry’s room also had to give speeches. Some students made posters to hang in the halls. Candidate Olivia Perez in Mrs. Perry’s room promised each student $100,000 and then passed out 100 Grand candy bars.
After the candidates were chosen and the authentic-looking ballots printed, Kathie Newgard from the Lake County Election Office talked to the kids about registering to vote and the voting process.
Voting at Linderman was as close as the six teachers could make it to Election Day. All the kids were issued ID cards and needed to present the card to be allowed to vote. The teachers checked the voters' list to make sure the student had registered to vote, and the child needed to sign his or her name on the list.
The ballots looked like real ballots, and students went into the voting booth to choose a candidate. Each teacher tallied his or her own classroom’s ballots.
Mayors chosen were:
• Brookmanville – Emilie Corley
• Ellisville – Toby Hayes
• Fridayville – Strann Seemann
• Morriville – Cale Noyes
• Perryville – Olivia Perez
• Simonichville – Shea McGuinness
All the fourth grade classrooms are part of Linderman Village. Among other things, the students learn about government. have jobs, receive wages, keep a checkbook, get fined and sell things they’ve made at the market. This year Linderman Village has added new activities, such as a judicial system in Mr. Brookman’s room, Brookmanville, and a newspaper in Mrs. Perry’s room, Perryville.
New mayors and mayors assistants are chosen each quarter so other students can run for mayor next time.
