South To Hold Mock Elections

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Posted on January 23, 2023

Lance Crawford

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The University of South Alabama’s Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, Mobile County Probate Court and Mobile County Board of Registrars are giving students the opportunity to better understand the democratic process by holding mock elections on campus Feb. 1-2, 2024.

Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis will speak to political science students on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Student Center Ballroom about the voting process, election integrity and training them to be poll workers. The University’s undergraduate student body is welcome to attend.

All students are also encouraged to participate in the mock election from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., also in the Student Center Ballroom, using voting machines brought in by the Court.   

“The mock election event is not just about casting ballots. It's a powerful initiative that fosters informed and responsible citizenship.” said Dr. Jaclyn Bunch, associate professor and acting chair in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice. “Students will witness firsthand how polling machines operate, have an opportunity to receive training to become future poll workers and gain a deep understanding of the election process.”

In addition to the mock election, the Mobile County Board of Registrars will be on hand to register eligible people to vote. 

“National statistical data reflects that typically young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 do not participate in the election process,” said Davis, Mobile County’s chief elections officer. “The purpose of this event is to educate young adults about the election – voting process and provide a very realistic mock experience, should they participate in an election conducted in Mobile County, Alabama.”

On Friday, Feb. 2, nearly 900 Mobile County high school students will visit the Mitchell Center where they will learn about the voting process and hold their own mock election. South students will serve as poll workers for that event. 

“The hallmark of the American Way of Life is for our citizens to make important community decisions and determine who will lead them,” Davis said.  “Elections are how these decisions are made and every eligible citizen should vote.”

If you are interested in volunteering as a poll worker or as a pre-event guide for the Mobile County high school mock election, you may register in advance.

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