|
|
 Hello |
Intro Website |
| Mock Election |
Tomorrow |
| Intro Discussion |
Goodnight |
| Discussion |
founders |
| Roll-in #1 |
WEB PROMO |
| Roll-in #2 |
key: Youth |
| Roll-in #3 |
Tonight 10:00 |
| Tag Discussion |
NH Youth Vote |
|
|
| Hello |
Intro Website |
| Mock Election |
Tomorrow |
| Intro Discussion |
Goodnight |
| Discussion |
founders |
| Roll-in #1 |
WEB PROMO |
| Roll-in #2 |
key: Youth |
| Roll-in #3 |
Tonight 10:00 |
| Tag Discussion |
NH Youth Vote |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Mock Election Return to index of stories... |
Max Pearlstein Mock Election TRACK1: It's election day at Maple Street Elementary School. But students aren't voting on class President or whether to serve fish sticks in the cafeteria. They're standing in-line to decide who will be New Hampshire's new governor. But they're doing more than just filling out ballots. They're doing everything here, from checking in voters, to sending poll results to Mock Election Headquarters in Durham. NAT T5: Kids giving numbers. SOT T5: Laura Kessler, Mock Election State Co-ordinator: They're here experiencing what a real election headquarters is like. They're answering phones, they're taking voting numbers to the voting board, they're involved in all aspects of the election. SOT T6: Max Pearlstein, Loc: Durham Even though November 1 is dubbed National Mock Election Day, don't let the name fool you. There's nothing fake about the effort students have been putting into the process. And while there's plenty to do here today, the real work started weeks ago in schools all over the state. NAT T1: This banner will hang over the polling place…. SOT T2: Ben Levine, Mock Election worker The amount of work that goes into an election, on a grade of 1 to 10, is probably an 11. It's a lot of work, It's stressing after a while. TRACK2: Luckily for Ben, he has his classmates at New Searles Elementary School in Nashua to help him out. Today they're getting ready for voting day, which is one week away. There ARE ballot boxes to be made, ballots to be checked, and voters to be registered. NAT T1: SOT T1: Tara, Registering Voters It's really important because if they don't register, they're not allowed to vote, and if they don't vote, they can't make a difference. SOT T2: Theresa Keane, Teacher It's been a really great experience to see them get so excited about the election process. They're only 11 and 12 and they can't vote for another six or seven years, but they're become really alive about the whole project. TRACK3: One of the best parts of Mock Election is the realistic environment that surrounds it. When students aren't setting up the polls, they're experiencing what's it like to be a voter. Mrs. Keane's class has had visits from nearly every campaign. But just because they're young, it doesn't mean they're an easy audience. SOT T2: Kelly O'Brien, Discerning Voter When they came in to represent the candidates, the Sununu person did a very good job because he said a lot about him. But the Shaheen campaign worker didn't just talk about her, he just said bad stuff about John Sununu. TRACK4: And what do these sixth-graders think of negative campaigning? SOT T2: Elizabeth Mudge It's just rude. You wouldn't want someone coming up to you and saying you shouldn't vote for someone just because they have a black dog. And that's basically what they're doing. It's just rude and mean. TRACK5: If you want to win votes here, you need to take the direct answer approach. John Babiarz is a class favorite because he came to represent himself in person. The Libertarian platform is just one thing these students have taken home with them. SOT T1: Alex I'm kind of upset that I don't get to vote until I'm 18 because right now I think we know more than our parents do about campaigns and campaigning. SOT T2: Mrs. Keane I think they've realized that they need to be aware and that these people represent them and their futures- I'm sure this is going to be a project they'll remember long past sixth grade. NAT T3 Good Morning Central. I'm Alex. And I'm Jen. And we're here to tell you about the candidates running for governor for the Mock Election- NAT T3 Craig Benson…. TRACK6 This is one school project that involves every student in New Hampshire from first grade to senior year. At Manchester's Central High School, the voters of tomorrow are learning the importance of your civic responsibility today. SOT T3: Meaghan Powers Mock Election has made me more interested because before when I saw something on the news, I didn't pay attention. But now that I'm voting and my voice will be heard, it makes me pay attention to what people have to say. TRACK7: And Central students like Meaghan have had plenty to say to their peers about politics. They've hung up signs around school and informed their classmates on the candidates and their issues with the help of the school's television station. NAT: She's also protecting the air…. SOT T3: Meghan Horsley We're not really looking for Social Security because a lot of teenagers don't look ahead into the future, but we do care about the environment and what's happening with education because we will be in education, some of us, for the next eight years. NAT: Teacher talking to students: "I'm glad that you guys came to the debate last night…what did you think? SOT T3: Kerry Sheehan, Teacher Statistics show that teenagers, voters in the 18-24 year old demographic, are apathetic about the political process. And if we can show that there are students and people out there in that age range that do care, politicians may start focusing on that age group when they're campaigning. TRACK8: The candidates have been listening to the student voices of mock election. Martha Fuller Clark, candy in hand, is here at Election Headquarters. Her opponent, Jeb Bradley, is making his third trip to voting day. NAT T6: I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed talking to you- Whether I win or lose, please invite me to come to your school. TRACK8: But the Mock Election isn't about the people who are running. What matters here are the people who are running it. SOT T6: Tyler This experience has been great because you really get to be a part of it. It's just so realistic. NAT T6: are the results of the Mock Election…. SOT T5: Nicholas Donohue, NH Commissioner of Education. These young people have read about this, they've talked about the process of democracy, and now they get to live it first hand and they're never going to forget it. There's a learning going on today that's going to last them a lifetime. |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Joining me now to talk more about the New Hampshire Mock Election and Kids Voting New Hampshire , the Coordinator for the New Hampshire Mock Election Laura Kessler, Samantha Gudheim- the Executive Director of Kids Voting New Hampshire, and Student Katie Demers from West High School. |
| Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Questions for voting discussion: Laura- NH Mock Election is part of the larger National Student/Parent Mock Election- what is the background of this group and when did NH get involved? L Has this been an indicator of what happens election day L- Numbers of students who voted on Friday? L- In addition to candidates, students also voting on issues. What were they? Samantha- How long has Kids Voting NH been around? What is the primary purpose of the organization? S- What do the numbers look like as far as percentage of voting age kids actually voting? I understand that it's higher in areas that participate in the Kids Voting program. How have the numbers changed over the years? S- ROLL IN #1- These kids seem to be well informed about the issues and what they want from their candidates. Do you see this a lot with the people involved in the Kids Voting program? S- What are some of the ways you get kids involved in the civic process and get them excited about politics? S- You also do a form of mock election. Tell us about that. S- Talk about the curriculum for schools. Can you show some samples? S- ROLL IN #2- These kids are concerned about the issues and are paying attention to what's going on with the campaigns. Do you think the negative campaigning is having an effect on how they view the candidates? Katie- You've been involved with the program for several years and still have two years to go until you can vote. Why get involved so early? K- What do you think of the current races and the campaigns they have been waging? S- ROLL IN #3- These remarks were made a recent gala you held in Manchester. Do you get a lot of participation from political figures? |
| Roll-in #1 Return to index of stories... |
If the citizens of NH had only one wish to send to the Governor, it might be to solve the education funding problem which seems to be connected to the continual hassle over income tax, sales tax, property tax and the question of what is quality education. |
| Roll-in #2 Return to index of stories... |
My wish is for the new governor to be the motivator in encouraging students and adults, including the new legislators, to be more respectful in their work with one another. To listen, be thoughtful and make good decisions in the best interests of everyone. |
| Roll-in #3 Return to index of stories... |
They got the chance to ask me an awful lot of questions about why I'm running what's some of the top issues of the day are, and I was overwhelmed by the seriousness of their questions and how important they found the whole dynamics of politics in NH and our country and why its so important that we participate. I think a program like this builds good habits, so that students understand that democracy and voting is important, and they take a little bit more interest in how the government works and a little bit more interest in civics and politics and that will stay with them for the rest of their life. One of the things that we know is that kids young people don't vote in as great of numbers as they do when they get older, so the more we can do to encourage young people to get involved in our process and vote, the better our democracy is going to work. |
| Tag Discussion Return to index of stories... |
For a closer look at the results of the mock election you can visit the Knowledge Network portion of our website at nhptv.org. There you can view candidate profiles, election resources, as well as some of the issue related results. |
| Intro Website Return to index of stories... |
It's not too late to vote. You can register at your local polling place. To find your polling place and more go to the Outlook page on nhptv-dot-org. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - Decision day for voters across the state. Join us for LIVE election results beginning at 10 o'clock. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of our program. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, I'm Ally McNair. Thanks for joining us. We'll see you next time on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. It's Decision day for voters across the state. Join us for LIVE election results beginning tonight at 10 o'clock on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: Youth Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 11/4/02 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included coverage of the New Hampshire Mock Election. Reporter Max Pearlstein shows us the school project that's helping the voters of tomorrow make their voices heard today. A studio discussion followed with the Coordinator for the New Hampshire Mock Election Laura Kessler, Samantha Gudheim- the Executive Director of Kids Voting New Hampshire, and Student Katie Demers from West High School. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Max Pearlstein NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Laura Kessler\Coord, NH Mock Election Max Pearlstein\NH Outlook Ben\Mock Election Worker Tara\Registering Voters Theresa\Teacher Kelly\Discerning Voter Elizabeth\Sixth Grader Alex\New Searles Elementary School Meaghan Powers\High School Senior Meghan Horsley\Central High School Kerry Sheehan\Teacher Nicholas Donohue\NH Commissioner of Ed Samantha Gudheim\Exec Dir, Kids Voting NH Katie Demers\West High School Laura Kessler\Coord, NH Mock Election |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| NH Youth Vote Return to index of stories... |
If the citizens of NH had only one wish to send to the Governor, it might be to solve the education funding problem which seems to be connected to the continual hassle over income tax, sales tax, property tax and the question of what is quality education. These young people are involved with the Kids Voting NH program. Samantha Gudheim is executive director. Our goal is to get kids interested at an early age so when they do become of voting age that they do go out to vote, and are interested and educated and know what to do, how to do it, and where to go. To do this, Kids Voting provides classroom materials to help educate kids about their civic responsibility. They also hold mock elections to get kids interested in the process. I think it's important that kids our age know about the issues our country is going through and who is going to be running the country because it's our future and we should care about the world we are going to be living in when we get older. Getting the 18 to 24-year-old group to the polls on November 5th is a large part of the group's focus. To do this, they engage kids in activities designed to get them more involved with their communities. Recently, a gala was held that brought together Kids Vote members and community leaders to talk about voting and the democratic process. I am honored to welcome you tonight to kids voting gala. The theme of our program is "Our Freedom, Our Future" and that is truly the essence of Kids Voting. Underscoring the importance of the youth vote was the appearance of some local celebrities. Shaheen to girl 'What do you like about kids voting?' "That I get to learn about the government and stuff." They got the chance to ask me an awful lot of questions about why I'm running what's some of the top issues of the day are, and I was overwhelmed by the seriousness of their questions and how important they found the whole dynamics of politics in NH and our country and why its so important that we participate. Taking a break from campaigning, the candidates signed autographs and answered questions. I think a program like this builds good habits, so that students understand that democracy and voting is important, and they take a little bit more interest in how the government works and a little bit more interest in civics and politics and that will stay with them for the rest of their life. One of the things that we know is that kids young people don't vote in as great of numbers as they do when they get older, so the more we can do to encourage young people to get involved in our process and vote, the better our democracy is going to work. I'm just amazed that the governor is here and I got a ton of their autographs. Despite being almost starstruck at meeting some of the local politicians, these kids were not afraid to talk about the issues, including negative campaigning. My wish is for the new governor to be the motivator in encouraging students and adults, including the new legislators, to be more respectful in their work with one another. To listen, be thoughtful and make good decisions in the best interests of everyone. I think that its gotten very negative and its gotten very nasty, and it's turned people off, they don't want to hear bad things about another person, they want to hear the good things, and we don't do that enough. While the Kids Voting program educates young people about their role in civics, it also educates adults about the potential their children have to participate in the process. I think a lot of the kids in my generation don't get the recognition they deserve in all the politics they are involved in and all the political things they do in their community to help. So I don't think my generation will prove to be as much of a disaster as people are expecting it to be. Kids Voting teachs children early on to get involved, no matter how old or young they are. Even though I can't vote for real, I will be able to someday and I think it's important to understand what I should look for in a candidate and what I feel is important. So I'm getting that start now and in two years I'll be ready to go. In Manchester, I'm Tai Freligh for NH Outlook. |