OSME Update

A second invitation to join OSME went out to teachers the first week in April who participated in the past. With it came a few more registered teachers. At the time of this

writing, we have about 3,300 students registered from 22 schools and/or districts.

Compared to the 33,000 who registered in fall of 2024, this is a small turnout. Spring is

very busy for high schools so it is understandable that many teachers just can’t give class

time to a mock election. Our participation for primary elections has been historically

low. Still, we have a lot of participation from rural communities this election.

Our represented towns include, Albany, Corvallis, Dayville, Dufur, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Lake Oswego, North Bend, Oregon City, Portland’s David Douglas School District, Pendleton, Pine Eagle, Roseburg, St Helens, West Linn, and Winston. The voting window for students is May 1-10. The press release will go to participating schools and our press pool on, or before May 12. Once again, Lakeridge HS has registered for the whole school to vote!

We have an endorsement letter from the Secretary of State’s office for the 2026 mock

elections. In this election, students will vote for Governor and Ballot Measure 120 (M120)

at the state level and US Senator at the federal. I was skeptical about whether M120 (a

referendum to increase payroll tax, gas tax, and vehicle registration fees) would be of

interest to students, so I polled the teachers about what they thought. They convinced me

to include it. They also have the option of having their students vote for their US

Representative. For this election, I have created seven ballots: six ballots with each of the

US District races and one without. Teachers decide which ballot(s) they would like to use.

Some are opting to use multiple US district ballots since their students’ home addresses

fall into more than one.

Results and a press release will be available on or about May 12.

Mimi Alkire

LWVOR Oregon Student Mock Election Coordinator