After months of planning, the Supervisor of Elections office hosted its 2004 Mock Convention over the weekend.
Over 1,000 local high school and college students in Jacksonville participated in the three-day event. Prior to the convention, students built party platforms, heard from the presidential candidates and nominated the Democratic candidates for the 2004 presidential election.
“One of the most important changes is the realization that voter education is an essential ingredient of successful election,” said Stafford. “But the entire community must take responsibility to ensure our students receive a healthy education about the American political process.”
In addition to hearing from elected officials and party representative at the convention, several students took advantage of voter registration opportunities.
“Our mission was to encourage elected official and candidates to address young students as viable members of the voting population, thereby fostering active voting habits in the 18- to 25-year-old demographic,” said Stafford. “We wanted the youth of America to know that their votes do count and that the elected officials care.”