OLYMPIA — The 2026 Student Mock Election is officially open to Washington state K-12 students and educators today, Thursday, Oct. 1, through Election Day, Nov. 3. The Office of the Secretary of State encourages all students and educators to participate.
The Student Mock Election is a non-partisan, educational event that teaches how to be an informed voter, promotes civic awareness and participation, and gives students hands-on experience with the democratic process by allowing them to cast votes on issues and candidates using grade-appropriate lessons.
“The Student Mock Election is more than just a classroom exercise. This program is actively educating future voters and empowering them to engage in civic life once they’re eligible to vote,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “My message for future voters is this: your voice matters. Thank you to the educators who make this possible and to every student participating in this year’s mock election.”
The 2026 toolkit has students learn about lawmaking through what’s on the ballot. The toolkit includes materials to hold a classroom election, and students vote on paper ballots, just like in real Washington elections. An alternate toolkit designed for younger students allows them to vote on easy-to-understand issues and races, such as Sasquatch or the Lake Chelan Dragon as the state cryptid.
Ballots, vote tabulation sheets, posters, and Voters’ Pamphlets are available for download. Educators participating in the Student Mock Election can order free “I voted” stickers through the Office’s website as well.
From Oct. 1 until the Nov. 3 General Election, classroom participation statistics will be available on the Secretary of State’s Student Mock Election engagement dashboard.