The PPS-PC Mission Statement is: “Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County advances the role of families and communities in securing a high quality public education for each child.” The most direct way that individuals can have an impact on helping to secure a high quality education for each child right now is to vote in the 2024 election. Races up and down the ballot have an impact on public education in some capacity. Public education is governed at the federal, state, and local levels. These elected officials all have some role in determining policy and funding for public schools. They are essential in promoting and supporting healthy, well-resourced public schools.
What are some ways to prepare to vote? First, be an informed voter. It is worth the time to research all the candidates to identify which candidates are proponents of public education and understand the needs and resources needed for each child to have a high quality public education. Second, know when and where you can vote. Early voting in NC ends on Saturday November 2nd. Election day is on Tuesday November 5th and polls are open that day from 6:30 am – 7:30 pm. There are seven early voting sites in various parts of Pitt County. You can find a listing of early voting locations as well as look up your assigned polling site for voting on election day on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website – https://www.ncsbe.gov
Third, make a plan to vote, including when you are going to vote and then put it on your calendar as an appointment and be sure to take your photo ID with you.
This year millions of people are now old enough to vote for the very first time. There are opportunities to help children learn about how the voting process works and why elections are important. You can take your children with you to vote so they can experience what the voting process looks like. Another opportunity is to talk with them about the importance of elections and how and why you decide to vote for particular candidates as well as the ways different elected officials have an impact on public education. Many students get to experience what it is like to vote at school for fellow classmates running to be a part of their school student government association.
First Vote NC – an online, simulated election experience for NC’s future voters
An initiative sponsored by Education NC, First Vote NC, is a resource that is one way to engage the next generation of voters. It is a statewide mock election, free for all students in NC and is easy to use. The ballot looks similar to the one the future voter would receive if they were going to the polls. The voting experience is enhanced by an optional exit poll and receipt of an “I Voted” virtual sticker. Results will be available after the election, so First Vote NC voters can see how their vote compares to the general election results. https://www.firstvotenc.org
