The Iowa Youth Straw Poll takes place in order to give students the opportunity to participate in a ‘mock vote’. Many schools throughout the state participate in this event, and this will be PV’s third time participating in the event.

Through the IYSP, students are given the opportunity to express their opinion regarding the candidates for the upcoming election. At PV, the event is organized by teacher Trever Zahn. He stated, “This event was created to give students the opportunity to share their thoughts with regards to candidates for major political offices that represent the state of Iowa at both the state and federal levels.”

Students will have the opportunity to ‘vote’ for Iowa’s governor and the United States House of Representatives. This experience is not only designed for students to voice their opinions, but also to encourage students to vote when they turn 18. Zahn also stated, “[It] gives them the experience of carrying out their civic duty of voting in our country.”

The Iowa Secretary of State, Paul D. Rate, puts on the event. Students are also encouraged to use #BeAVoter when they post about the campaign process, voting experience, or during the Iowa Youth Straw Poll. The campaign hopes to make #BeAVoter a trend in order to encourage the younger generation to use their voice, especially when they are of voting age. Junior, Carly Lundry, stated “The straw poll is a great opportunity for students to experience what it is like to vote.”

This organization hopes to increase voter turnout by getting students excited to vote. The straw poll took place yesterday.