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High Schoolers Learn about Ranked-Choice Voting

Published on 11/13/2022

On October 19 and 20, Tatiana Stone and Kit Muehlman were guests in the Civics classrooms of Jen Reidel at Bellingham High School. Working with three classrooms of roughly 25 students each, they presented a lesson on ranked-choice voting.

Although these teenagers don't yet vote, many are well aware of the importance of elections, and the problems within our two party system. While some students were more interested in voting methods than others, all the students participated in a simulated ranked-choice vote for Halloween candy. Through that demonstration, the students could see how ranked-choice voting works in real elections. They understood the process well enough to ask astute questions. The students were open minded and interested in learning more. Ms. Reidel was excited to report that one student who had not previously spoken in class this year, raised their hand with an important discussion point.

The Bellingham/Whatcom League Civics Education Team is at work connecting teachers and students with non-partisan civics education resources, including public officials and citizen educators.

Possible topics for such talks include the electoral college, gerrymandering and redistricting, the Washington state initiative process, and the history of voting rights.

If you would like to present a short lesson on these topics or have a suggestion for another civics topic or a presenter, or if you are an educator with a civics lesson proposal, please let us know.

The Civics Education Team meets on the 3rd Wednesday monthly on Zoom, and you are always very welcome to attend.

Contact civicseducation@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org for more information.

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