Mecklenburg County students have the opportunity to learn about government and civic participation through a community-wide mock voting event hosted by Kids Voting Mecklenburg.


K-12 students learn about and cast votes on real candidates and issues - this year, offices include mayor and school board - and taking part in community service-learning. While the results aren't official, they are counted and reported publicly. Over 45,000 local students participated in last year's mid-term elections.


The election program links to classroom education in a variety of disciplines through study about government, leadership, elections and voting, decision-making, critical-thinking and analysis of information. Classroom resources are available free for local educators, families and youth programs through the Classroom Resource Library and Civic Learning Center. Resources include:

• Student and school board candidate video Q&A 
• Rate the Candidates activity 
• Presentations and discussion tools about local government, candidates and voting
• Candidate information 
• Classroom curriculum and other teacher downloads and tools 

Great opportunity for high school students in Civics & Economics or with an interest in government, law and public service. Fall class runs November 9-December 13. 

All teens are invited to build leadership skills and make their voices heard in this exciting program that connects students with community leaders. Youth will meet this semester with Anthony Foxx, Jennifer Roberts, Eric Davis and other leaders who make decisions and policies impacting kids.

Watch Youth Voice students Maya Fleming (East Mecklenburg), Jalen Feaster (Mallard Creek) and Aidan McConnell (Providence) in a video Q&A with school board candidates.