The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education has designated Oct. 6 as California Student Mock Election Day at district middle and high schools, giving more than 100,000 students an opportunity to participate in a simulated election.

The board approved the resolution in August. It was authored by Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill and co-sponsored by board members Scott M. Schmerelson, Rocío Rivas, Nick Melvoin, Karla Griego, Kelly Gonez and Tanya Ortiz Franklin.

Students will be able to research candidates and statewide ballot measures, discuss election issues and cast mock ballots using educational materials provided by the California Secretary of State. The statewide Student Mock Election is open to middle and high schools and will take place Oct. 6 ahead of California’s Nov. 3 general election.

The Secretary of State’s office said participating students will be able to cast mock votes for governor, U.S. senator and statewide ballot measures appearing on the general election ballot. Schools may use paper ballots, Microsoft Forms or interactive PDF ballots.

The LAUSD resolution also encourages district high schools to organize voter preregistration drives for eligible 16- and 17-year-old students. Under California law, eligible residents who preregister will have their registration become active when they turn 18.

“Democracy isn’t just a subject we teach out of a textbook, it is a practice,” Newbill said.

Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said the program will give students practical experience learning how elections operate and engaging with issues affecting their communities.

“Civic education is an essential part of preparing students to become informed, engaged and responsible citizens in the world,” Chait said.

Schools participating in the statewide program must register with the Secretary of State’s office. Sept. 30 is the final registration deadline, while schools may begin early mock voting and reporting results on Sept. 29. Preliminary statewide results are scheduled to be posted at 5 p.m. on Oct. 6, with final results announced Oct. 7.

For information, visit sos.ca.gov/elections/studentmockelection.