Mock election brings patriotism, education to elementary school Published Nov. 2, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Holly Cook 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Students from Ramstein Elementary School participated in a mock election here Nov. 5. "We want them to know that we have the power to elect our leaders, and by having a mock election they will realize that they can make a difference one day themselves," said Norma Lozano, RES second-grade teacher. The mock election was held to educate children about the importance of voting. More than 900 children, ranging from 4 to 8 year olds, participated in the one-day mock election; along with the RES teachers, administrators and parents of the children. "Each class had an assigned time to come and vote and then we ended the day with a patriotic program," said Lozano. Voting times ran from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with the patriotic program starting at 1:40 p.m. The program consisted of musical selections by the second-grade classes, the posting and retrieving of the colors by the Ramstein American High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and the announcement of the mock-election winner by RES principal Joseph Lovett. "We have been planning the mock election and patriotic program since Constitution Day (Sept. 17)," said Lozano. "By holding the election we are trying to integrate all subjects that the kids learn in school into teaching them about the whole election process." School subjects such as social studies, music, art, technology, language arts, math and character education were used in the mock election day festivities and planning processes. "It's a unique way to teach them about democracy," said Debra Lowder, RES special-needs teacher. "Being able to show them, even at a young age, that their voices do count lets them know that they are a part of the now and the future of America," said Lowder.