Visitors Help Seniors Tackle Elections

Every four years, seniors at Parker have a unique opportunity to learn about our democracy through the lens of a vitally important topic: elections.

Elections 2024, taught by US History teacher Andrew Bigelow, is an elective for seniors that focuses on not only the election of the new President, but also the process of elections at every level, from local to national. Students dive deep into these elections, analyzing different campaigns and how they reach voters and studying the concept of participatory democracy. They focus on such questions as, “What is the purpose of this election in our democracy? Will everyone have the ability to vote? Why will voters choose the candidates they choose at the local, state and national levels? Should we keep, reform or abolish the Electoral College? Is civil discourse possible when it comes to politics?” Finally, students must put this learning into action by completing 12 hours of fieldwork, most of which must be working directly for a candidate in a local, state or federal election or a ballot initiative or referendum.

“We offer this class every four years, and it fills up right away,” Bigelow said. “These are kids who are passionate about politics or want to learn more, and this class allows them to do that because it’s student-driven.”

To help start the students on the right foot, Bigelow worked with 43rd Ward Committeeperson, alumna and parent emerita Lucy Moog to invite Patrick Hanley, one of the founders of Operation Swing State, to speak to students. Hanley explained how to canvas and campaign for a candidate and gave students an education on the significance of these swing states (the “blue wall” that Trump defeated in 2016) and why Wisconsin and Michigan matter for the Democratic Party. It was a great civics lesson on voting rights, the people who actually vote and the problems with the Electoral College when considering the popular vote vs. the Electoral College totals. “Patrick was quite convincing,” Bigelow shared, “and got the kids fired up when the Zoom ended.”

Next, Moog visited the class with 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen. Bigelow shared, “The goal here was to go local—I wanted them to learn about the wards and districts. Also, they got us fired up on the first ever election of 10 members to the Chicago Public School board. These two are always here and willing to spread their wealth of political knowledge—their enthusiasm for participatory democracy at the local, state and federal levels is exemplary.”

As Parker’s faculty encourage students to exercise personal and civic power by connecting reflection with action, research with creativity, wisdom with innovation, deeds with consequences and character with citizenship, this course and its visitors are prime examples of this belief in action.

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