Faith, Civics, and Critical Thinking: The PCS Mock Election Experience
Each year, our Government and AP Government classes conduct a presidential mock election. It’s an engaging, hands-on experience that immerses students in the democratic process. Under the leadership of Government teacher Mrs. Humphrey, students explore key national issues and learn that while Christians may faithfully support different political parties, a person’s vote does not define their salvation.
Over the course of several weeks, Middle and High School students and staff (representing different “countries”) listen to campaign presentations, attend a debate, and ultimately cast their votes. Throughout the experience, students are expected to practice grace, civility, and critical thinking.
Student roles in the project include two presidential candidates – one conservative and one liberal – each supported by a vice-presidential candidate, campaign manager, and speechwriter. The two parties, the Purple Party and the Gold Party (a nod to our school colors), are joined by students serving as lobbyists for liberal, nonpartisan groups and SuperPACs, Federal Election Commissioners (FEC), and a full media team responsible for polling, producing articles/newsletters, organizing press conferences, and moderating the debate.
This year, the media team, lobbyists, and party campaign teams created an impressive array of graphics, slogans, posters, and videos. Posters advocating various platforms lined the school hallways, and the parties visited classrooms to share their campaign videos and explain their positions.
The quality of the campaign and media productions was both impressive and entertaining. As presidential and vice-presidential candidates – along with their campaign managers – visited classrooms (representing U.S. states). Students enjoyed a sweet treat of donuts or cookies courtesy of the campaigners.
The project culminated in a lively mock debate attended by middle and high school students and faculty. The candidates presented thoughtful, well-researched arguments and often incorporated Scripture as they explained how their platforms reflected a Biblical worldview.
After votes were counted, headlines from Updog News, the media team’s newsletter, proudly announced: “Portland Christian 2025 Election Goes Gold!”
Friday’s debate, moderated by media team members Jaxon Smith and Paul Peterson (aka Mike Huynh), featured questions on major national issues, including the economy, education, healthcare, climate, national security, and foreign policy.
According to Updog News, “On Monday, the voting was finalized, and the Gold Party won by a landslide. They claimed a massive 69.8% of all electoral college votes… Noah Humphrey, the new President-elect, gave a lot of credit to his campaign team who made the win possible.”
Following the announcement results in their classroom, both candidates stood beneath the electoral map to reflect on the experience. Purple Party candidate Graham Calhoun emphasized the importance of striving for peace as Christians. He noted how the Gold Party had consistently woven a Biblical worldview into each issue they addressed, which encouraged his own team to do the same as they prepared for the debate.
This type of practical, thoughtful engagement is one of the many ways PC equips each senior class as they prepare to step confidently into the world beyond graduation.