Well, the votes are in, and it wasn’t even close.
President Barack Obama won almost 65 percent of all votes cast and swept to a massive 506 to 32 win in the Electoral College, utterly wiping out Republican challenger Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts.
But lest you think you have slept through Tuesday and woken up to either a nightmare scenario or an Election Day miracle, relax — Obama’s big win was among Juneau-Douglas High School students on Friday.
Teacher Gary Lehnhart said JDHS conducted an Electoral College vote simulation Friday.
Classrooms of students, some of them broken up into smaller groups, represented each state and the District of Columbia. The largest groups stood in for the populous, vote-rich states of California and Texas, while the smallest, a “group” of one student, serving as Wyoming, the least populous state.
While students confronted challenging scenarios, including blank ballots, write-in votes — popular choices included New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow; Comedy Central satirist Stephen Colbert; and the actual Libertarian Party candidate for president, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson — and questioned ballots, Leinhart called the conclusion “anticlimactic.”
“We eventually counted the votes, and unfortunately, it was a landslide,” Lehnhart said. It was the biggest blowout since he has started conducting the simulation, he remarked.
“This is the fourth time that I’ve done this, and the Democrats don’t always win,” Lehnhart added.
Lehnhart said “one of the big laughs of the day” came when, after a torrent of Obama “states” came in — including California, Texas and Florida — the first Romney state to be called was Utah, the real-world version of which is home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to which Romney belongs, and is among the most reliably Republican states in the country.
The quirky voting system of Nebraska, which allocates three of its five electoral votes by congressional district, also came into play.
“We also got to split Nebraska, so that was a good learning experience,” said Lehnhart. “We got to split Nebraska four to one.”
In 2008, then-Sen. Obama, D-Ill., surprised prognosticators when he eked out a victory in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District and thus carried one of its five electoral votes.
JDHS duplicated that result Friday, with Romney carrying four of Nebraska’s electoral votes and Obama getting one.
In addition to four electoral votes from Nebraska and six from Utah, Romney also won Arkansas, Idaho, North Dakota, Rhode Island and West Virginia in the simulation.
Coincidentally or not, aside from Rhode Island, all of those states are expected to go for Romney in the actual election.
Lehnhart collected comments from students on the simulation and its outcome, some of which he shared with the Juneau Empire.
Student Ruby Steedle wrote, “Our town being liberal and our school’s average age being well below the national average, it wasn’t that shocking that it was a landslide to Obama. But despite the overwhelming turnout for Obama, we were still able to see the skew due to the Electoral College, which I think was a good learning experience for us.”
Emma Good, parsing the results, wrote, “The majority of students that go to JDHS live downtown or on Douglas now because of the new high school in the (Mendenhall) Valley,” referring to Thunder Mountain High School, which opened in 2008. Good added, “Typically (Democrats) live by JD which would account for the large number of votes toward Obama and not Romney. TMHS would probably be more even or Romney would win.”
Madison Truitt was blunter in her assessment.
“Obama is big with young adults,” Truitt wrote. “This is a high school. Obviously Obama won.”
While for JDHS, the election is over and the results were decisive, Lehnhart said the simulation is not the end of the exercise altogether for his students.
“The next assignment is to show how few votes it takes to change the outcome of the election, which is the whole point of teaching the Electoral College,” said Lehnhart, whose American History classes for honors students hosted the simulation Friday.
The Electoral College voting system, which was enshrined in the United States Constitution to ensure that small states have a say in choosing the president, has faced criticism for its heavy emphasis on “swing states”: a handful of closely contested battlegrounds whose voters decide the ultimate outcome of the election, while dozens of other states go uncontested because their political leanings are not considered to be in any doubt.
The actual day of the election is Tuesday, when voters across the country will choose the next president. In Alaska, voters will also decide whether to elect longtime Republican Rep. Don Young to another two-year term in Congress. Young’s Democratic opponent is Rep. Sharon Cissna of Anchorage.
• Contact reporter Mark D. Miller at 523-2279 or at mark.d.miller@juneauempire.com.
Comments (60)
Add commentGood Job Mr. Lehn hart…this
Good Job Mr. Lehn hart…this is a good, real life, learning opportunity for the kids. Some of those seniors may even get to do it for real this year.
Not Surprised
JDHS is in the heart of liberal downtown Juneau and school teachers are overwhelmingly liberal and don't mind sharing their views with the students, although they are not supposed to. Teenagers are an idealistic group also and think that all things are possible with words like "hope, change and forward" when they are not educated on the issues of economics, military superiority (which keeps us safe), budget balancing...If they had the WHOLE truth, then they would not vote for Obama.
Nothing like a good old
Nothing like a good old fashioned liberal education... Had Marx been on the ballot they probably would have picked him...
Consider the students station
As a student, you want something you ask for it, then someone else provides you with your desire but not at your expense. Of course they voted Obama, he represents their view of the world. Americans are waking up the Obama's slide to socialism and there are enough of us still the reject the nanny state and elect Romney.
Remember to vote tomorrow
dont get me wrong. I love
dont get me wrong. I love that they are introducing them to the electoral process. Its good to get kids thinking, just we, as educators, need to be careful not to tell them what to think... Present all sides and then let them make their own informed decision.
Just about...
...the response I expected from the commenters on this board (noroad, your enlightened response surpassed my expectations).
However, I confess to being a bit disappointed. I was hoping that students would look beyond the choices of bad (Obama) and worse (Ryan/Romney). Had I been in the class, I think I would have leaned toward Colbert.
Gary Johnson, the Libertarian, was on their ballot as well. His platform is one of the few sane ones out there. I was reading his page in the Alaskan election pamphlet yesterday - quite an accomplished guy. I don't claim to be a conservative, but I'm leaning toward voting for him anyway. If I was a conservative, it would be a slam-dunk. I would have loved to have seen him in the debates with these other two clowns.
Wow!
JDHS participates in a learning process about voting, the results of which some of you don't like. Responses? The teachers are liberals, the district is socialist, the kids all want a handout. All 100% of these students got good practice in how our national voting system works, not just the 65% you're all sour about. That's the real result here.
not surprised..
Juneau teachers are very liberal and spoon feed our kids socialist values...god willing there is enough people who have seen the damage the community organizer in chief has done and send him packing...
Teenagers
Oh, yes, teenagers are always looking to emulate those in authority like parents and teachers. Isn't that the way it always is? Have to be careful with those teens - they want to be just like their parents and teachers.
They certainly have no opinions about gay marriage, abortion, marijuana, etc.
Yes, I am certain the only reason Obama took the school is those liberal teachers.
Figures!
Doesn't surprise me. The same liberal teachers still teaching the same stuff as when I went there as was the case when my kids went there. Fortunately, I was able to override the teachers teachings and influenced my kids not to live the socialistic life they were teaching and tell my kids they have to work and earn what they get. That's the only way to improve your life. Not to take the free govt handouts and just be able to sustain life. I feel sorry for our kids who vote that idiot in and then think they will live the life he promised in the campaign, but will surprise them with the poor quality of life he will actually provide. He has an agenda and regardless of what the ignorant will tell you, he will impose his muslim values on us all. You'll all wish you'd have been better educated then...when it is too late.
Interesting
First, Mr. Lehnhart was one of my favorites in high school. Keep up the good work!
Second, I find it interesting that people are blaming the district and the teachers for this simulated voting process. Yes, I certainly agree that teenagers are impressionable but let's not forget they have other role models and influences.
What about parents? What about the kids themselves? Parents, peers, the media, etc. are all enormous influences on young, developing minds. What's important is that we teach kids to have their OWN voices. Give them encouragement and guidance to figure out what they themselves truly believe in. It shouldn't matter if their views differ from yours; what should matter is that it's HIS/HER own view.
pcmaster!
I have to trust that you were doing a parody there. Right? Right?? Because if not, you're bound for some serious disappointment tomorrow, my friend.
By all indications, Obama's going to take it.
Why do you think Gov. Christie was fawning all over Obama? He can read the polls and he's a shrewd politician - there's no political gain in backing a loser like Ryan/Romney at this point. Better to come across as a statesman and position yourself for the 2016 run.
conservative posters
sure enough if Romney had won the same anti-Obama crew would proclaim the students are a reflection of the majority. However that would simply be the views of the conservatives wouldn't it.
It never amazes me how the conservatives find schools are liberal. Nothing is sadder than believing entire public education system is so horrible. How did the country ever make it to today if all the schools are failures for the vast majority of American are products of public education.
learning is always good
I found the comments from the students good. Learning about the electoral process. Regardless of how the students voted, its important to note that there is a teacher helping the students understand the real process.
I think we should pass a law getting rid of the electoral votes. It was setup for a time when all votes couldn't be counted. Pioneer days. Today, everyone can vote.
I say eliminate the electoral vote.
Lat, I think your crystal
Lat,
I think your crystal ball is a little off this time…Have you seen the turnout numbers for Romney’s speeches in the Midwest vs. Obama’s? Have you read the comment sections at the Huffington Post and MSNBC? The liberals are abandoning ship as fast as they can go.
also..
Your ruse to divide the conservative vote by bringing up Gary Johnson is quite nefarious.
noroad - hmmm.....
Funny, that's not how I heard the turnout numbers over the weekend......largest campaign event in NH - ever.
Nefarious. Hmm...if you ask me, Republican election board attempts in over a dozen states to obviously and purposely restrict the vote is about the most evil, treasonous, un-American tactic I have ever seen. Florida, who had 5-hour waits for early voting last year? Republicans cut early voting in half, because it traditionally favors Democrats. Ohio wasn't even that opaque, and sought to only offer early voting in traditionally Republican districts.
No matter what side you are on - this kind of behavior, actually seeking to restrict people from voting - should outrage EVERYONE.
oh, yeah.....and
I agree with Raven and other posters - regardless of the outcome, the students probably no more about the electoral college process now than most people on this board.
And that is entirely the point.
SG, My nefarious comment was
SG,
My nefarious comment was tongue in cheek…but I do agree with you that if any Republican or Democrat is found to be usurping people’s right to vote then they should be jailed.
Quote from Obama Spokesperson regarding the small turnouts during Obama events:
“We have plenty of time for big rallies,” a campaign spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, said between the rallies on Thursday. “Our focus right now is on exciting our supporters and winning over undecided voters and the smaller and medium-size events are the best venue to accomplish that because the president can closely engage with the crowd.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/watercooler/2012/aug/18/obama-camp-w...
It doesn’t take much to see through that political speak.
So if only ten people show
So if only ten people show up, spin about how you favor small venues so you can closely engage with the crowd...
Yup, the people that don't
Yup, the people that don't like the results automatically start blaming everyone else. Teaching your kids the real American way! Without leading your children, ask them why they voted that way and ill bet dollars they don't say 'because of my influencial teachers'. How many of you knew this was going on? Did you get a chance to express your views and why? If you didn't know, don't you ask the standard question 'what did you learn at school today?'
The last time
This will be the last time Teacher Gary Lehnhart will see Obama win anything........
noroad
I didn't know rallies and HuffPo comments decided elections. I'm talking about the Electoral College. Ask a JDHS student to explain it to you.
Obama has 431 distinct paths to victory, Romney has 76. Romney pretty much has to 'run the table' on the toss-up states to pull it off, but the latest state polls show most of those states leaning toward Obama.
Look at 538. Look at Intrade. Who knows? All of those polls and analysts could be wrong. But if you're hiding inside your Fox/Rasmussen bubble you're probably in for even more disappointment tomorrow than you had expected.
And yes, you saw through my nefarious plot to convert Romney votes to Gary Johnson, darn you! And I had ALMOST delivered Alaska's 3 votes to Obama...so close.
People forget we vote as a
People forget we vote as a state and Romney is going to slaughter Obama in our state election.
Some of the comments here are crazy
There's a lot of talk about the liberal JDHS teachers indoctrinating the students with their views. I went to JDHS and I never experienced any of that. Younger voters overwhelmingly vote Obama, simple as that. People are so cynical.
Furthermore, Obama is not a socialist, regardless of what you think of his policies.
Lat,Romney will take every
Lat,
Romney will take every state Bush took in 2004 and then some. For good measure he will probably also take Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
@Alaskastu
Very true. My daughter attends JDHS, and I knew this was going on. She came home prior to them voting and exactly as you said, she was definitely influenced by the teacher she has for American Govt. We had a very good discussion about what my beliefs were and what she was told etc. I don't know which way she voted at school but I would like to put my 2 cents in from a parent of a student at JDHS!
JDHS
We took our children out of the Communistic indoctrination centers referred to as public schools a looong time ago!
If the students at JDHS were actually voting their true and undirected conscious the map would more likely reflect the map of 2004s presidential election.
Ha! Brings back memories
When I was in the fifth grade a hundred years ago we had a mock election for state senator in school. I voted for the republican candidate. When I was discussing it at the dinner table at home and said who I voted for my Dad, who was sitting next to me, slapped me on the arm and sent me to bed without dinner. He hasn't changed and neither have I -lol!
If it is true that the teacher is a libertarian then it is even more amusing...
Communistic Indoctrination Centers?
Do you realize how crazy that sounds?
In addition, why would JDHS students reflect the map of the 2004 election? The high school does not encompass the same diversity that the US does: it is in one geographic location, one age group, focused interest (e.g., college tuition as opposed to medicare), etc...
It just shows how many people
It just shows how many people only view the world through their eyes and don't even attempt at seeing other people's views. If my child came home with a different view then mine id be thrilled. Then I could have discussions and use that as a way to teach them about opening their eyes and looking at the whole picture. I grew up in a non political home in a conservative town. I went through being republican to leaning left to realizing I don't agree 100% with anyone. My parents are liberal but i didnt even know that until i was an adult. im so thankful my parents trusted me to know what was best for me and didnt put their views in me. I can proudly say I take each issue individually. I feel the democrats spend more money then thy should and I feel republicans are trying to infringe on my freedoms. So I look at as many aspects as I can and will vote who I think will TRY and lead the country the best. Your kids are not stupid, give them more credit.