Election Simulation

The Center for Experiential Learning hosts 125 Chicago Public School high school students for an election simulation experience each year. The simulation aligns with student’s studies in civics classrooms in Chicago as well as current election cycles. Elect 2016, the next simulation, will take place on Friday, March 4, 2016. Loyola faculty, staff, and students will collaborate to deliver this civic learning experience for CPS students.

Students from schools that are part of the Global Citizenship Initiative at Chicago Public Schools participated in the simulation as an extended learning opportunity in their Civics Course.  The Power of the Vote, the second unit from the course, introduces students to the history and contemporary issues of our electoral process.  Simulations have been identified as one of the six proven practices of high quality civic education. 

Student participants were assigned to play roles throughout the day:  Election officials; Party leaders; Media; Community activists; and the Electorate.  Members of the electorate were divided into 8 states (2 red, 2 blue, and 4 battleground) and were asked to choose a president over the course of the day.  The Democrats prevailed over the Republicans and Greens by a final count of 46-40-17.