On September 27, the senior class participated in the annual Kickoff Rally to launch the 2023 Election Simulation. The Simulation is an annual event where students across the AP U.S. Government and Politics and AP Macroeconomics classes hold a simulated election in order to teach all students about government and immerse them into the world of politics.
This year, the Election Sim will be covering the Republican presidential primary and the New York City council election. Each AP U.S. Government and Politics class selected a few students to represent candidates, including Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, and Ron DeSantis, with a team of students working under them as campaign managers, public relations officers, speech writers, and more. Meanwhile, students in AP Macroeconomics assumed their roles as part of super political action committees (PAC), special interest groups, and the US media.
“I think [the Kickoff Rally] helped my campaign because it introduced me to Townsend Harris,” said senior Brodie McDermott, who is running as Republican Presidential Primary candidate Nikki Haley. “I feel as though participating in [it] as Nikki Haley with the accent, the outfit, and my team has made me memorable and has definitely gotten me a lot of attention on social media and around [the] school.”
The purpose of the Kickoff Rally is to introduce the new candidates and allow them to make an impression on the voting student body. Many candidates described the rally as a great opportunity to present their campaigns, combat their opponents, and rally support.
Senior Hellen Oliviera, who represents New York City Council District 27 candidate Marilyn Miller, said, “I think that this rally was very successful. There was, as expected, a very excited energy in the air. We were all eager to get it started and [to get it] over with, which I think helped us stay on schedule and speak with intent while up on the podium. I wouldn’t have done it any differently.”
Even the underclassmen, who have not yet had the chance to truly be a part of the campaign process said that the start of this year’s Simulation was captivating.
“After watching my friends plan and execute the kickoff rally, I am heavily influenced to be a candidate as [the experience was] very enjoyable to be a part of,” said junior Sebastian Morales. “I believe that the Kickoff Rally is very helpful to start off the campaigning process because it gives people a taste of what they’re in for.”
The Election Simulation will continue with weekly radio shows, classroom visits, and fundraisers until the voting polls open on November 7.
