Pictured from left to right: Pranay Kyasa, Jaime Villanueva, Adam Senter, Makiah Granadino, Bodhi Baker, Maya Reeves, Nathaniel Castillo, Ky Shaw, Eva Engstrom, and Kevin PetersonAldo Leopold Charter School (ALCS) 11th graders visited the Grant County clerk’s office on November 11 to participate in voting simulation. Teacher Pete Rankin partnered with Grant County clerk Marisa Castrillo to provide students with sample ballots, voting guides and a walk through the process of voting. Mr. Rankin’s U.S. History students are immersed in a study of federalism and the rise of political parties over time. Students are learning about the sovereignty of citizenship and the vital role that elections play in preserving democracy. His class also discussed the many times throughout history where elections have been questioned and impact of these actions.

Student Bodhi Baker states, “It was really cool because most schools don’t teach students how and where to vote. When I turn eighteen, I look forward to voting.”

Aldo Leopold Charter School is a tuition-free public school with a focus on stewardship of the community and the natural environment. The school offers small class sizes, after-school academic support, opportunity for paid internship with Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), dual-credit coursework with Western New Mexico University, and the opportunity to play team sports with either Silver High School or Cobre High School.