Student( polling station at Westfield High School. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – 824 students in grades 7 to 12 participated in the first-ever youth vote in Westfield. Youth polling stations were set up outside the precinct voting rooms, and students were able to cast their ballots on computers which calculated the results.
The initiative, which emphasized that “Student Voices Count,” was started at the Westfield Middle School, and led by eighth grade Social Studies teacher Jennifer Johnson-Corwin and Social Studies Supervisor Jason Taylor. Teachers used lesson plans leading up to the vote that included information on the races and the ballot questions.
Of the 824 students who voted, 49.4% were from Westfield High School, 11.9% from Westfield Technical Academy, and 37.8% from Westfield Middle School. Twelve paper ballots were counted in the totals.
“As a district we are very impressed with the student turnout for our first ever `Youth Vote.’ It is important for our students to know that their voices count. While we did have a few minor glitches throughout the day, we will learn from them and improve the process next year. I would also like to recognize Social Studies Supervisor Jason Taylor and Social Studies teacher Jennifer Johnson-Corwin, as well as the students and staff volunteers that made this authentic experience possible,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski following the election.
The student results mirrored the results of the Westfield community-at-large with one exception. The students narrowly voted to re-elect U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren by a vote of 356 to 353 over Geoff Diehl whereas Westfield registered voters chose Diehl over Warren by 7,540 to 6,679. Warren won the state with 60% of the vote.
In the race for Governor, students cast 581 votes for Charlie Baker and 224 for Jay Gonzalez.
Question 1 to limit the nurse to patient ratio in Massachusetts hospitals was defeated by the students, with 72.3% voting no, and 27.7% voting yes.
Question 2, to regulate campaign contributions and spending, won the student vote by 63.5% to 36.5%.
Question 3, to add gender identity to the list of prohibited grounds for discrimination, won 53.6% to 48.4%.
“I am impressed with the positive turnout by students. Supervisors, volunteers, teachers, principals, and the support of families in this civics lesson made this 2018 `student voice’project successful,” said Johnson-Corwin.
“It was such a pleasure to see kids, parents, teachers, administrators, custodial staff, and members of the community working together to create a relevant and authentic learning experience for over 800 students. I am so grateful to all the volunteers who not only made it possible, but a success,” added Taylor.
