Alconbury Elementary Holds Hamburger vs. Hot Dog Election to Teach Students About Voting Process

Jessica Tackaberry, Public Affairs

Nov 15, 2024

Students collaborate to count the ballots, learning the importance of accuracy and teamwork in the election process.

Alconbury Elementary School students recently participated in a unique school-wide election that pitted hamburgers against hot dogs, giving them a firsthand experience of the democratic process. Organized to coincide with the presidential election on Nov. 5, the event engaged students across all grades in learning the process of voting, from registration to casting a ballot.

"The hamburger vs. hot dog election provided our students with a realistic insight into the voting process," said Scott Finlay, principal of Alconbury Elementary School. "Each student relished the opportunity to cast a vote and was able to see firsthand how his or her vote mattered in the overall outcome."

Ms. Diamond Griffin, 2nd/3rd-grade split-class teacher and leader of the event efforts included designing voter registration cards for each student. Students brought their registration cards to the polling station, where they were checked to confirm their registration status before voting. Privacy dividers were set up to simulate an authentic voting environment, and students marked their ballots in private before submitting them. At the end of the voting process, each student received an “I Voted” badge, adding to the excitement of participating in the activity.

"The school-wide election truly built a community; it was beautiful to witness," Griffin said. "Immersing children in all roles of the democratic process is one of the most empowering experiences they can have. The children have the opportunity to apply what they have learned across all subjects in an engaging way."

Students throughout the school gained hands-on experience in how elections work. In addition to voting, students practiced waiting in line, verifying voter registration, and completing the voting process, adding a practical understanding of civic responsibility.

The final results revealed hot dogs as the landslide winner, giving students a memorable lesson in the democratic process.

"The hamburger vs. hot dog election provided our students with a realistic insight into the voting process," said Scott Finlay, principal of Alconbury Elementary School.