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Interactive Voter Guide

Resources and Lessons

This curriculum, produced by a Philadelphia social studies teacher, helps students learn about the history of American voting rights, how students can evaluate who they would vote for, and then practice casting their ballot in a mock election. This curriculum has two weeks of lessons, plus extension activities, for teachers to incorporate into their classroom.

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Lesson 1: Election Law and Mail-In Voting

Students learn about state election laws and the debate around mail ballots. (45 minutes)

Lesson 2: Confirmation Bias and Filter Bubbles

There are many sources available to news consumers. How do they know which sources are misleading or opinionated? Which are credible or fact-based?

Lesson 3: Finding Credible News on Social Media

This lesson aims to equip students with skills to identify credible information online, evaluate news sources on social media and beyond, and build a balanced media diet.

Topic Four: Making a Plan to Vote - Applying for a Mail-In Ballot/Finding Your Polling Place

Read a description of this topic and access sample slides to use when teaching this set of lessons.

Lesson 1: Make Your Plan to Vote

There are several ways to cast your vote. Students will consider which is the best way for them to do so.

Lesson 2: Applying for a Mail-In Ballot

Students will learn how to apply for a mail-in ballot. Eligible students will be able to send their applications in, while students who are not, or are choosing to vote in person, will complete the process to without submitting an application to gain the experience.

Lesson 3: Completing a Mail-In Ballot, or Voting In-Person

In the previous lesson, students completed a real or hypothetical mail-in ballot application. In this lesson, they will learn how to complete and return their mail-in ballot, as well as how to find their polling place and to cast their ballot in person. They will also learn how to cast a provisional ballot as a last resort. It’s important to walk students through these processes.

Topic Five: Researching Candidates, Making Your Ballot, PA Mock Election

Read a description of this topic and access sample slides to use when teaching this set of lessons.