Primary Candidate Forum coming to UHS

What started off as a small informational session for seniors interested in learning more about voting is now a forum, a chance for juniors and seniors to meet the actual candidates they may be voting for.

With the primary election coming in a couple of weeks, social studies teacher Levi Molenhour wanted the senior class to get more involved with voter turnout, so he organized the UHS Primary Candidate Forum.

“The candidate forum is an opportunity for students who will be 18 by November 5 to really come face to face with the candidates that will be on the ballot, so they can meet and hear about their positions, their goals, and their aspirations, kind of hear their pitch as to why they should be elected. So then students take that information to the polls and vote,” he said.

The overall goal for this event is to get students to become active voters and engaged citizens.

Molehour believes the study of taking a civics class and passing the constitution test doesn’t necessarily translate into being an active citizen, whether that’s voting or helping out the public good, he believes the determining factor is actually participating in government practices.

According to NEA News, 90% of students take at least one civics class, but only 25% of students reach the “proficient” standard of the NAEP Civics Assessment. Putting too much attention on rote memorization actually diminishes the likelihood that students will develop more meaningful civics skills, which is why events such as the UHS Primary Candidate Forum are so important.

If you are a junior or a senior and are interested in learning more or joining to be able to meet the candidates, go to the commons on March 7 during 6th and 7th hour and enjoy pizza while listening to the candidates!