“I thought the other candidate was sour, so I voted for the other,” says first grader Madi Lowrey with a giggle, summing up the spirited debate in the Cole Elementary mock election. The candidates? Lollipops and Jolly Ranchers.

Preparation for this day began weeks ago with teachers like Jessica Ferger guiding students through the election process. 

“Step one is to register to vote and then go to the voting location,” explains student Maren Gardner. “Then, you get your ballot, make your choice and then you get a sticker.”

Ferger’s class did other activities to prepare for election day including a contest between Oreos and chocolate chip cookies. Maren says Oreos easily won that election.

On election day, the students entered the music room, which was transformed into a voting center. Students cast their ballots then proudly wore their “I voted” stickers as they headed back to class. 

I voted for lollipops too,” says Maren. “They are sweet. I like grape and blue raspberry flavors best.”

First grader Luke Hancock was confident Jolly Ranchers would make an election day upset. “I like the taste of them,” Luke says. “And, green apple flavor is the best.”

Principal Mike Pinto says the students are learning an important lesson about the voting process and making their voices heard: “Our goal is to offer our students an opportunity to experience the process of voting. We are hoping to build muscle memory that will carry into citizen adulthood.”

After the ballots were counted, it was clear: Jolly Ranchers won handily 198-107. Students celebrated the sweet victory by enjoying a Jolly Rancher and their first taste of democracy.